Sergio Pérez, driver of Cadillac Racing, has expressed concern about the complexity of the starts in the new Formula 1 season. According to him, this system could soon lead to a “massive crash,” as evidenced during the Australian Grand Prix.
During the inaugural event, Liam Lawson had a poor start due to lack of power in the battery, while Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided an accident when he saw the stopped Racing Bulls cars appear in the middle of traffic.
This new regulation, which includes modifications to the chassis and power units, has increased the complexity of the starts. Drivers must keep the engine at high revs for at least 10 seconds to activate the turbo, but an error can cause the vehicle to enter “anti-stall,” as happened with Lawson.
Pérez stated: “It’s a shame, but it’s only a matter of time before a massive crash occurs. These power units are very difficult to get going, and conditions can vary extremely between drivers.”
Franco Colapinto also shared his concerns, highlighting that the speed difference between vehicles that are having problems and those that are functioning normally can create dangerous situations. “I managed to reach 200 km/h at one point, and when the power system kicks in, the acceleration is brutal,” he said.
With the new regulations, safety will be a central theme in the upcoming races, as demonstrated by the attention that the FIA has given to the starts during testing in Bahrain. These concerns are expected to be analyzed further during the 2026 season.
