P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 set to ditch new feature for Australian Grand Prix with FIA rule change coming
An FIA rule tweak may be introduced for the first race of the F1 season at the Australian Grand Prix due to safety concerns.
The 2026 regulation changes have sparked various controversies in the sport, including issues with the F1 start procedure involving the activation of straight mode by drivers on the grid.
Although adding five seconds to the start procedure initially helped alleviate safety worries, a new problem arose concerning the potential dangers of drivers utilizing straight mode’s top speed boost during the start.
To address this issue, discussions have led to a likely rule adjustment in Melbourne to prevent the use of straight mode from the grid to the first corner.
McLaren’s team principal has indicated a common agreement among teams to refrain from activating straight mode at the start, pending official approval from the FIA.
