P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri feels F1 could be set for a “recipe for disaster” over growing safety concerns ahead of the new season.
Oscar Piastri expressed concerns about the potential risks of allowing drivers to use straight-line mode (SLM) at grand prix starts in F1, considering it a “recipe for disaster”.
The new mode for 2026, also known as active aerodynamics, involves opening the rear-wing in a DRS-style and lowering the front-wing flaps to reduce drag before lifting them back up for corners.
Issues have arisen with F1 starts and grid launches as drivers adapt to the new procedures, increasing the likelihood of errors.
With the removal of the MGU-H, drivers must manually spool up the turbo to prevent turbo lag without over-revving the engine or overloading the battery.
Discussions are scheduled for the following week to address these challenges, with Piastri emphasizing the potential dangers of implementing SLM at race starts.
Piastri stressed the importance of testing and fine-tuning the systems for safety concerns in F1, particularly focusing on starts and overtaking to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations.
