Oscar Piastri points out that getting off the line cleanly these days requires a fair amount of luck, something that became even more apparent during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Piastri has not been shy about talking about the issue before, especially in Bahrain where drivers and teams are dealing with new obstacles posed by rule changes for 2026. Removing the MGU-H from the engine unit was a major factor.
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After last week’s test, Piastri said differences in the way drivers drive their cars could be “a recipe for disaster.” In response, F1 and the FIA decided to try a longer starting sequence in the second round of testing.
This extended procedure is designed to give the driver more time to get the turbo up to speed before the light goes out. Ferrari’s smaller turbo means their drivers don’t need to rev as high for as long as other drivers – some for as long as 10 seconds.
Oscar Piastri says F1’s good start to 2026 rules is pure luck
Piastri believes the new procedures and another week of testing in Bahrain will help reduce the differences between drivers’ starts. Still, he believes it takes “a lot of luck” to get a clean start without turbo lag or wheel slip.
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One issue Piastri highlighted is that the MGU-H will be eliminated from F1 engines in 2026, meaning drivers will now need to keep the revs high to keep the turbochargers ready at the start. He believes this is just one of several challenges that everyone on the grid will need time to adapt to.
Speaking at a press conference in Bahrain on Friday, Piastri explained: “My results yesterday were not bad. I was last but I also passed four cars. There is still a lot of luck involved and we are learning what is a good start and what is a bad start.
“You can run into some pitfalls that cause problems. But as long as you manage the energy and the whole process, that’s the same thing.”
“The way we started overall was a lot different than last year, too,” he added. “It’s tricky in every way. Some riders are managing well now, some not so well.”
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Jolyon Palmer witnesses Lando Norris go into ‘warp speed’ as training begins in Bahrain
Piastri is aware of the problems caused by 2026 F1 regulations, but McLaren still made progress at the start of the race in pre-season testing. While Jolyon Palmer was initially impressed by Piastri’s practice, Lando Norris surprised him even more.
Piastri’s effort gave Palmer the impression McLaren had found something on Friday, showing good pace in the morning session. But it was at the end of the final game that Norris really caught people’s attention, with Palmer even suggesting the 2025 champion hit “warp speed.”
Palmer told F1 World Updates: “Fantastic pace, bye mate! Lando made a great start. McLaren was there too. I’ve been watching all day. Oscar made a great start. In the pit lane, looking good.”
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“To be honest, I’d like to see it alongside Ferrari because that looks really impressive. [McLaren’s start] Much better than Red Bull. I would say better than Mercedes. “
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