At the start of the Australian Grand Prix in Formula 1, a driver could be “overtaken by half the grid” if they adopt a wrong strategy, according to Charles Leclerc, star of Ferrari. This statement arises within the framework of a new regulation that profoundly affects starts and electric energy management.
The recent modifications to the regulations include changes to the chassis and power unit, which directly influence how drivers manage their cars at the start of the race. Currently, vehicles are more dependent on electric energy, with a near-equivalent balance between gasoline and electricity. This transition implies a more sophisticated management of the battery during starts.
The new regulation eliminates the MGU-H, forcing drivers to rev their engines at higher speeds for at least ten seconds to activate the turbo. A mistake in timing can lead to a moment of failure and send the car into an anti-stall situation at the start.
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has warned that a poor start can cause a driver to lose up to seven positions. Leclerc expects this situation to be seen in the Australian GP, which takes place this Sunday.
“There are many unknowns,” commented Leclerc, who qualified fourth. “In the early laps, it’s easy to see how you can be overtaken. If a driver acts recklessly, they could be overtaken by many rivals immediately.”
The previous practice sessions have highlighted various strategies for managing the new conditions. Ferrari showed outstanding performance in one session, with Lewis Hamilton moving from fifth to first place. However, Leclerc warns that it’s not certain that this advantage will hold during the official competition.
Regarding Mercedes, Leclerc believes they might capitalize on their good qualifying, unless they make mistakes at the start of the race, while he would see the best opportunity to overtake in front of the Red Bull team, which occupies prominent positions.
“It was a bit chaotic in the Bahrain practice,” he added, “but I don’t expect it to be like that in the race. If everyone gets to the optimal window for the start, there’s not much difference between the cars, and that’s why it’s easier for us to reach that optimal window.”
