Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen revealed he is in discussions with the FIA regarding a potential safety risk in Formula 1, after several drivers started the 2026 Australian Grand Prix with little or no battery charge available at the race start.
The situation became evident during the season opener in Melbourne, where multiple cars arrived on the grid with minimal stored electrical energy. As the lights went out, this resulted in inconsistent acceleration across the field and created significant speed differentials during the critical opening meters of the race.
One of the most dramatic moments occurred when Liam Lawson struggled to launch from the grid, nearly triggering a high-speed collision with Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver managed to avoid the back of the Red Bull Racing car despite approaching at much higher speed.
Verstappen himself was among the drivers affected by the issue. The four-time world champion started the race from 20th position after a surprise qualifying crash left him at the back of the grid, while also beginning the race without sufficient battery charge available.
“There are a few simple solutions, but they need to be allowed by the FIA regarding the battery-related systems. Starting with 0% battery is not a lot of fun and is also quite dangerous,” Verstappen explained during media day ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
“We almost had a massive crash at the start in Melbourne. Some of it is related to batteries, and some can be addressed with an anti-stall system, but you could clearly see big speed differences because several cars had almost no battery — maybe 20 to 30 percent. It’s something that I believe can be fixed quite easily.”
The Dutch driver also confirmed that his discussions with the FIA extend beyond the immediate start procedure issue. Verstappen has previously voiced concerns about the direction of Formula 1’s modern power unit regulations but emphasised that constructive dialogue is ongoing to improve the cars in future seasons.
With the championship now heading into the next round in China, energy deployment and hybrid system management remain a key technical focus for teams and regulators as Formula 1 evaluates whether procedural or regulatory adjustments are needed to prevent similar risks at race starts.
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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