Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Liam Lawson has admitted he expected a major collision during the opening lap of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after his car struggled to launch from the grid, forcing drivers behind to take urgent avoiding action.
The incident unfolded moments after the start in Melbourne when Lawson’s Racing Bulls car moved slowly away from the grid, creating a significant speed differential with the cars accelerating behind him.
The closest call came from Franco Colapinto, who approached the rear of Lawson’s car at high speed. The Alpine driver reacted quickly and avoided a heavy collision with a last-second manoeuvre.
“It was very impressive from his side to avoid it, very good reactions,” Lawson told media including RacingNews365.
“I was very lucky. At that point I had already braced in the car because I was looking in my mirror and I saw his car on my left when he was very close to me.”
“I was sure he was going to hit me, and then suddenly he came past me on the right. He did a very good job to avoid that.”
Lawson explained that the start procedures with the current cars remain extremely complicated, particularly with the new technical characteristics introduced this season.
“When you see us sitting there for around 10 seconds trying to complete the pre-start procedure, the launches are very inconsistent. It’s a new car, but at the moment it is still very tricky.”
Several drivers have raised safety concerns following the Melbourne start incident as teams continue adapting to the behaviour of the current power unit systems and energy deployment characteristics.
Lawson acknowledged that while drivers can voice their concerns, any regulatory adjustments ultimately depend on the governing body.
“What happened to me this weekend is something that can happen very easily. If Franco hadn’t done a very good job avoiding it, it would have been a really big crash.”
“At the moment it is quite dangerous. But when it comes to decisions, that’s not up to us. We can give our opinion about what we feel in the car, but it’s up to the FIA whether they decide to change something.”
The safety implications surrounding race starts and energy deployment are expected to remain a key discussion point within the paddock as the Formula 1 championship moves on to the next round of the 2026 season.
Baca Juga
Liam Lawson mengungkapkan dirinya nyaris mengalami tabrakan besar pada start GP Australia 2026 setelah mobilnya melambat di garis start.
Kimi Antonelli mengungkapkan keinginannya berduet dengan Max Verstappen dalam balapan endurance, termasuk potensi tampil di Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Carlos Sainz memperingatkan potensi kecelakaan besar di Formula 1 2026 setelah insiden hampir tabrakan pada start GP Australia.
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