Formula 1's new power units for 2026 are making race starts more difficult, as highlighted during the Bahrain pre-season test. Without the MGU-H component, engines must rev higher and longer to optimize turbo performance, prompting teams to seek regulatory changes. Drivers warn that botched starts could cost multiple positions on the grid.
The Bahrain pre-season test has brought attention to challenges with race starts under Formula 1's upcoming 2026 power unit regulations. These new units eliminate the MGU-H, which previously assisted the turbocharger in reaching its operating window quickly without straining the internal combustion engine (ICE). Now, the ICE must handle this task alone, requiring drivers to rev engines to significantly higher levels for extended periods.
During practice starts in Bahrain, drivers were observed revving for up to 10 seconds or more before launch. Data from the Sakhir circuit showed peaks exceeding 13,000 rpm, as in Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli's final practice start on day three. On average, cars stabilized above 12,000 rpm—levels previously seen only during maximum effort, not at starts. In contrast, past power units, aided by MGU-H, averaged between 9,000 and 10,000 rpm, varying by engine manufacturer.
Teams are experimenting with procedures to fine-tune turbo spool-up, but variations persist even within the same driver's sessions. Current rules prohibit using the MGU-K to release energy when stationary on the grid, except for reliability issues, and limit its activation below 50 km/h. One proposed solution is a pre-established rev interval, while another considered allowing MGU-K use at starts—though this could deplete energy reserves early in the race.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri described the stakes: “The difference between a good and bad start last year was you got a bit of wheelspin or you had a bad reaction time, whereas this year it could be effectively like an F2 race where you almost go into anti-stall or something. You're not just losing five metres or so, you could be losing six or seven spots if it goes wrong.”
Mercedes' George Russell added: “At the moment, we're just sort of going through our procedure, and I'm only doing my launch when I'm in a given window. But we are very conscious that for a race start, you go when the lights are out, you don't go when your specific turbo is in the right window.”
Gear ratios for 2026 will also influence starts, with shorter gears used through corners to recharge batteries and reduce turbo lag, potentially increasing fuel use. Approaches differ by manufacturer: Red Bull adopted aggressive downshifts for energy maximization, while Ferrari appeared less extreme, possibly using a smaller turbo that reaches operating parameters faster at lower revs. Russell noted: “I think Ferrari seem to be able to run higher gears than other manufacturers, which probably suggests they've got a smaller turbo than other manufacturers. So maybe they're in a slightly easier position for their race starts.”
The issue will be addressed at the next F1 Commission meeting, with teams urging intervention before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
