Albon downplays 'chaos' of new F1 2026 race starts
Alex Albon expects the chaotic practice starts from F1's Bahrain test to be a one-off, attributing the variability to differing tire conditions. He predicts more orderly race starts in Melbourne once all drivers begin with fresh rubber under the new 2026 starting procedure, which was modified for safety and to counter turbo lag from the revised power units.
Williams driver Alex Albon believes the messy and unpredictable practice starts seen during pre-season testing in Bahrain will not be replicated in the Australian Grand Prix, predicting a smoother process once all teams are on equal footing with fresh tires and a uniform procedure.
Why it matters:
The start procedure is a critical and highly visible moment in any Grand Prix, and significant changes for the 2026 season have raised safety and competitive concerns. Albon's reassurance suggests that while the process is different, the initial testing chaos was more a product of varied run plans and tire conditions than an inherent flaw in the new system, which was redesigned to address the unique challenges of the latest power unit regulations.
The details:
- The 2026 start procedure includes a second formation lap and a five-second blue warning light before the start sequence begins, a change trialed in Bahrain.
- This adjustment was made primarily for safety and to give drivers more time to build optimal revs in their power units, a necessity due to the removal of the MGU-H.
- Without the MGU-H, cars launch using internal combustion power and the turbocharger, creating a risk of turbo lag if sufficient charge isn't built while on the grid—a particular concern for drivers starting further back.
- During testing, Ferrari-powered cars, including the Haas of Oliver Bearman, were noted for achieving noticeably better getaways compared to rivals, with Mercedes' George Russell identifying it as a potential weakness for his team.
- Albon attributes the wide disparity in practice start performance to drivers using tires of vastly different temperatures and ages, as many were concluding long runs before attempting their practice launches.
What's next:
The true test will come at the race start in Melbourne, the first full-grid launch under the new regulations. Teams and drivers acknowledge they are on a discovery journey with an immature procedure compared to the seamless process of the previous era. As Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg noted, there is still much to learn and refine, but the expectation is for a more coordinated and less chaotic spectacle than what was witnessed in testing.