Oscar Piastri Warns of SLM Start Risk F1 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Oscar Piastri believes allowing straight-line mode (SLM) at Formula 1 race starts in 2026 could become a “recipe for disaster” amid sweeping changes to active aerodynamics and launch procedures.

The new SLM system — part of the 2026 active aerodynamics framework overseen by the FIA — opens the rear wing in a DRS-style configuration while simultaneously lowering the front-wing flaps to reduce drag on straights before returning to high-downforce trim for corners. While designed to enhance efficiency and overtaking potential, its deployment during the tightly packed start phase has raised safety concerns.

Those concerns are compounded by the removal of the MGU-H from the new-generation power units. Without it, drivers must manually spool the turbo to prevent lag off the line, while carefully avoiding over-revving the engine and overcharging the battery system. The complexity of the revised launch procedure has already triggered debate among teams following the first Bahrain test.

Discussions are scheduled for next week to address the issue, with McLaren among the teams highlighting the need for regulatory clarity. Piastri stressed that additional testing time has been essential not purely for performance, but for system stability and safety refinement.

“We’re certainly going to be needing those three days to get everything working closer to what we want,” Piastri said.

“The extra testing time has definitely been necessary for just the systems, and as a sport we need the time. From a performance point of view you probably don’t, but there are so many things from a borderline safety point of view that need to be figured out and addressed.”

“The starts are the most obvious ones for now, and overtaking, but it is always going to be tough until you’ve actually had a race.”

“Whether we use straight-line mode at the start — because I think a pack of 22 cars with a couple of hundred points less of downforce sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.”

With active aerodynamics forming a central pillar of the 2026 regulatory overhaul, the question of SLM deployment at race starts has emerged as a key technical and safety variable. Any decision taken before the season opener could significantly influence launch stability, early-lap risk exposure and the competitive narrative of the new era.

Meta Description: Oscar Piastri warns straight-line mode at F1 2026 race starts could be a recipe for disaster amid active aero and turbo rule changes.