Final F1 2026 Testing in Bahrain Overshadowed by Critical Safety Concerns
The concluding pre-season test session for the 2026 Formula 1 season, scheduled to commence in Bahrain on Wednesday, is poised to be dominated by pressing safety issues rather than pure performance evaluations. With the new season's inaugural race in Australia merely a fortnight away, teams and drivers are grappling with unresolved technical and procedural challenges stemming from the latest engine and chassis regulations.
Race Start Procedure Emerges as Primary Safety Hazard
A significant new safety concern has erupted regarding race start procedures, following alarming incidents during last week's test where multiple cars struggled to move off the line during practice starts. The core issue lies with the new power units, which require drivers to rev the engine extensively to build turbo boost pressure and mitigate turbo-lag. This process can take over ten seconds, yet the current start light sequence—featuring five red lights blinking at one-second intervals before extinguishing—provides insufficient time, particularly for drivers at the rear of the grid, to adequately prepare their turbos.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has urgently called for a resolution before the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, warning of the potential for dangerous collisions if cars fail to launch properly. "We need to ensure the race start procedure allows all cars to have the power unit ready, because the grid is not where you want slow-moving cars," Stella emphasised. "This transcends competitive interests; it's about responsibility. Adjustments to light timings are crucial for safety."
Ferrari's Stance and Competitive Implications
However, Ferrari stands as the sole engine manufacturer opposing any rule modifications. Reports indicate that Lewis Hamilton's team has already vetoed one proposal and may reject further solutions, arguing that all teams were forewarned about turbo-lag challenges. This position suggests Ferrari believes it holds a competitive edge, having potentially engineered a power unit with superior launch capabilities.
Mercedes driver George Russell hinted at this advantage, noting, "Ferrari appear to run higher gears, implying a smaller turbo, which might ease their race starts." Yet, this purported prowess remains unconfirmed until the season begins in Melbourne, adding a layer of strategic tension to the safety discussions.
Additional Safety Issues on the Agenda
The safety concerns extend beyond race starts. Stella also highlighted risks associated with the 'lift and coast' procedure, where drivers decelerate at straight ends to recharge batteries, potentially causing high-speed collisions if followed closely. He referenced historical crashes in Valencia and Portugal as cautionary examples.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of the new 'overtake' mode, replacing DRS this season, is under scrutiny. Stella expressed doubts about whether there will be sufficient energy to complete overtaking manoeuvres fully, raising questions about race dynamics and safety during duels.
Broader Technical Debates and Test Implications
Amid these safety talks, the engine compression debate remains unresolved, with Red Bull reportedly aligning with Ferrari, Audi, and Honda against Mercedes. These technical disputes threaten to overshadow the three-day test in Sakhir, as teams seek clarifications on multiple fronts. Stella reiterated that his advocacy is driven by sport-wide safety, not McLaren's competitiveness, stating, "Topics like grid safety are bigger than competitive interests. Simple adjustments are a no-brainer for the sport's health."
As the F1 Commission convenes on Wednesday, the focus will sharply pivot from testing laps to ensuring the 2026 season commences without compromising driver safety, setting a critical precedent for this new regulatory era.
