P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Nailing a good race start in the 2026 F1 cars is going to be a lot more challenging. Gary Anderson explains why
The 2026 Formula 1 cars no longer have the luxury of using the MGU-H to spin up the turbo, impacting both corner exit performance and grid start scenarios. The turbo’s speed is now reliant on the volume of exhaust gas, requiring a high engine rpm and adding stress to grid start preparations. Achieving stability at a certain rpm will take time due to the balance between exhaust gas flow and boost pressure, based on turbo size and compressor capacity. Timing throttle adjustments to prevent excessive wheelspin upon clutch engagement at the start will be crucial. Decisions on turbo sizing for different circuits reflect the trade-off between optimal performance and efficiency, informed by extensive simulation studies. Addressing turbo lag with electrical motor assistance could potentially improve performance on track and during grid starts, though it presents additional technical challenges.
