Formula One drivers are raising alarms about a potentially catastrophic start-line crash this season, driven by the sport's revised engine regulations. Several drivers report significant speed disparities as cars depart the grid, with some power units allowing machines to accelerate far faster than others.
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson described bracing for impact at the recent Australian Grand Prix as Franco Colapinto's Alpine closed rapidly on his struggling car. "If it keeps going on like this, then yep," Lawson stated, acknowledging the inherent danger. He credited Colapinto's quick reflexes for averting a collision.
The new rules, which now derive approximately half of a car's peak power from the battery and no longer pre-spool the turbo with an electric motor, make building sufficient energy and turbo boost more challenging during the grid wait.
With a 50-50 split between electric power and the combustion engine in the 2026 cars, torque has increased. This allows cars from the back of the grid to achieve higher speeds by the start line, posing a significant risk if a front-running car is slow to move.
Cadillac driver Sergio Perez echoed these concerns, calling the situation "very, very dangerous" due to extreme speeds reached within seconds. Williams driver Carlos Sainz added that the new 'Boost' mode, intended for overtaking, also contributes to dangerous closing speeds during races.
While Colapinto believes teams will adapt to find better start-line balance, he admitted the current situation is "a little bit dangerous." The speed and complexity of events at the race start leave drivers with insufficient real-time information, even from their teams.