P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 safety fears as Australian Grand Prix tipped to be ‘disaster’
McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri expressed concerns about potential issues in the 2026 season, particularly related to starts, due to the new power unit and chassis regulations. He emphasized the complexity and safety challenges of the start procedure with the new components in play. Piastri highlighted the importance of addressing these issues before the season opener, mentioning the need for a unified approach from the FIA and F1 commission.
During pre-season testing in Bahrain, problems with practice starts were observed, with only a few drivers managing clean getaways, raising worries about the effectiveness of the new power units. Piastri called for discussions on various aspects, including the use of straight mode and the impact of reduced downforce on starts and overtaking.
Ferrari reportedly raised concerns over start difficulties with the new power units a year ago, and their power unit was supposedly optimized for better starts. However, a meeting is set to take place to potentially alter start rules to enhance safety, potentially negating Ferrari’s advantage in this area. Overall, the focus is on finding solutions to ensure a smooth and safe start to the 2026 season.
