FIA cautions against start 'cheats' as new system launches in Miami.
The FIA will be closely observing teams for any potential misuse of a new start safety system that is set to debut in Miami, part of broader adjustments to the problematic 2026 regulations. Along with modifications to energy management, the governing body will implement a system aimed at preventing dangerously slow starts. This decision comes after several incidents this season, including a close call between Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson in Australia.
FIA technical chief Nikolas Tombazis expressed concerns about turbo lag, noting that extremely slow starts could become more common. He referenced the Lawson start in Australia as a case that demonstrated the potential dangers, emphasizing the desire to avoid such situations.
The new 'low power start detection system' employs sensors to track acceleration off the starting line. If a vehicle's acceleration is below a certain limit, the system automatically activates additional power from the MGU-K, with warning lights to alert drivers behind. However, the FIA has already warned teams against attempting to exploit this system.
"This is strictly a safety feature," Tombazis clarified. "The system would convert a disastrous start into a merely bad start; it would not enhance a bad start to a good one." He confirmed that telemetry will be examined in all instances and emphasized that the intention is not to encourage teams to take advantage of it intentionally.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc downplayed any potential effects on his team’s strong starts thus far. "The modifications to the starts won’t diminish our advantage at the beginning or the excellent starts we've achieved," he stated. "It will only assist those who struggle significantly at the start, helping to prevent dangerous stalls among the cars."
In related news, FIA official Jan Monchaux expressed concerns regarding the reliability of the new software that will govern the broader energy management changes in Miami. "I will still feel uneasy until race day since the software we developed hasn’t been tested as thoroughly as we would prefer," he mentioned. "We could encounter unforeseen issues that we want to avoid."
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