F1 2026 has slower starts due to removal of MGU-H and new pre-start

The 2026 season of Fórmula 1 brought significant changes to the technical regulations, with emphasis on the difficulties observed at the starts during the Grande Prêmio of Austrália, the opening stage of the championship. Pilotos like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, from Mercedes, lost positions shortly after the start, while Liam Lawson, from George Russell, who started on pole for Mercedes, dropped to second place after losing to Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, due to problems related to the battery not being fully charged.

The removal of the MGU-H from the power units contributed to the increase in turbo lag, as this component helped eliminate turbo lag during initial acceleration. Sem he, drivers depend more on maintaining a high engine speed to prepare the turbo, which requires precise management during the formation lap and on the grid. The FIA ​​has introduced a pre-start procedure to mitigate these effects, displaying blue panels for five seconds before the traditional red lights, allowing engines to reach optimal revs.

Several riders faced loss of pace soon after the exit, even with reasonable initial starts. Isso occurred because the MGU-K can only be used to deliver positive torque after the car reaches 50 km/h, according to technical regulations. Antes Furthermore, any excessive energy consumption in preparing the tires and brakes may leave the battery with insufficient charge to sustain full acceleration in the first few meters.

Pre-start procedure introduced by the FIA

Federação Internacional of Automobilismo adjusted the rules shortly before the start of the season to include the pre-start system. Durante the five seconds with blue panels flashing, the pilots keep the engine at high speed to prevent the turbo from losing pressure and causing starting failures.

This adjustment aims to improve the consistency of starts and reduce the risk of accidents on the grid. Equipes and riders are still adapting to the new flow, as energy management becomes more critical in all phases of the formation lap.

Impact of removing MGU-H on power units

The elimination of the MGU-H simplified power units and reduced costs, but brought back the turbo lag characteristic of previous eras. Sem the electrical assistance to spin the turbo compressor, cars rely exclusively on exhaust gases for spool-up, which requires sustained high revs.

Drivers need to balance heating tires and brakes with conserving energy in the battery. Excessive consumption during the presentation lap can result in a lack of electrical power just after 50 km/h, when the MGU-K comes into action.

Ferrari demonstrated relatively better performance in the initial starts, possibly thanks to smaller turbocharger configurations and shorter gear ratios. Isso allowed for more consistent outings compared to Mercedes and other teams.

Challenges in managing energy during the presentation lap

Teams face multiple demands on the formation lap, including maintaining ideal tire and brake temperatures, as well as strict battery control. Excessive use of the engine for warm-up can drain the energy available for the initial acceleration phase.

Jonathan Wheatley, head of Audi, highlighted that the procedure requires precise management of several factors simultaneously. The FIA ​​is working on adjustments to refine the starting process and minimize variations between teams.

Drivers like Max Verstappen, in Grande Prêmio of China, also recorded poor starts, indicating that the problem persists across different circuits and conditions.

Unpredictable starts mark the start of the season

The opening race at Austrália saw multiple cases of lost positions or reduced pace shortly after the start. Antonelli dropped from second to seventh position, while Russell lost the lead despite taking pole.

Lawson almost caused an incident when he lost speed immediately after exiting, forcing Colapinto to react quickly to avoid contact. Esses episodes highlight how the new regulations make starts more susceptible to configuration errors.

The season promises more variable starts than in previous editions, with teams learning lessons from the first races to optimize energy and preparation strategies.

The new technical regulations for Fórmula 1 for 2026 have profoundly changed the dynamics of the starts, prioritizing electrical energy management and turbo preparation without the support of the MGU-H. Teams continue to adjust settings to minimize performance losses on the grid, while the FIA ​​monitors the impact of the changes for possible future refinements.