FIA Holds Firm on F1 Race Start Procedures After Bahrain Safety Summit
The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, has resisted immediate calls to modify race start procedures despite growing safety concerns, though future changes remain possible. This decision followed a crucial F1 Commission meeting in Bahrain on Wednesday, which coincided with the first day of the final pre-season test.
Safety Concerns Spark Constructive Dialogue
The meeting brought together all 11 Formula 1 teams, FIA officials, and F1 executives to address mounting worries about race start safety. These concerns have intensified due to the new 2026 cars requiring greater turbo boost pressure and more time to accelerate off the starting grid.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella had previously voiced significant apprehension, warning last week about the potential for dangerous collisions during race starts. His comments highlighted a broader unease within the paddock about the technical challenges posed by the latest generation of Formula 1 machinery.
"No Immediate Major Regulatory Changes"
Despite what the FIA described as "constructive talks and proposals" during the Bahrain summit, the governing body concluded that immediate modifications to start procedures or technical regulations were unnecessary. In an official statement, the FIA explained this cautious approach, noting that initial evidence and driver feedback remain "immature."
The statement emphasized that premature changes could risk "increased instability" ahead of the season opener in Melbourne. However, the door has been left open for future adjustments, with the FIA committing to further evaluation of race systems and on-car management during the ongoing Bahrain test sessions.
Driver Feedback and Technical Evaluations
The FIA's statement revealed that drivers provided generally positive feedback about the 2026 cars, particularly praising their reduced weight, smaller dimensions, improved ride quality, and stronger initial acceleration. These comments suggest that while start procedures raise concerns, the new cars themselves have been well-received by competitors.
Additional technical checks focusing on energy management will be conducted over the next three days during the second pre-season test in Bahrain. This continued evaluation underscores the FIA's commitment to gathering comprehensive data before making any regulatory decisions.
Sprint Race Expansion Discussed
Beyond start procedure discussions, the Bahrain meeting also detailed proposals to significantly expand the sprint race format. The F1 Commission explored doubling the number of sprint races from six to twelve across the season.
If implemented, this change would mean the controversial short-race format would constitute exactly 50% of the 24-race calendar. The sprint format has faced criticism from prominent figures including four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has been vocal about his reservations regarding its impact on the traditional race weekend structure.
Time Pressure Mounts Ahead of Season Opener
While the FIA has maintained flexibility for last-minute adjustments, the window for implementing changes before the first race is rapidly closing. The 2026 Formula 1 season is scheduled to commence with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, leaving teams and officials with limited time to enact any procedural modifications.
The Bahrain discussions represent a balancing act between addressing legitimate safety concerns and avoiding disruptive changes that could compromise competitive stability. As teams continue testing in Bahrain, all eyes will be on whether the collected data might prompt reconsideration of start procedures before cars line up on the grid in Melbourne.
