An FIA rule tweak could be incoming for the first race of the F1 season at the Australian Grand Prix. <\/p>\n
\nThe 2026 regulation changes<\/a> have brought a whole host of changes to the sport, some popular and some not so for the drivers, with several controversies already bubbling away in the off-season.
<\/p>\n \nOne of these surrounded the F1 start procedure<\/a>, with most teams on the grid, barring Ferrari, struggling to get their turbos spooled up on the starting grid.
<\/p>\n \nAmid safety concerns, the FIA introduced a further five seconds to the start procedure to mitigate fears and the subsequent start simulations were successful.
<\/p>\n \nHowever, another safety problem has emerged on the start and it involves F1’s brand new racing feature for 2026 – straight mode.
<\/p>\n \nF1 2026 Regulations: What is the boost button?<\/a>
<\/p>\n F1’s ‘recipe for disaster’ could be neutralised<\/p>\n \nAs the current rules stand, drivers are allowed active aero’s straight mode on the starting grid, which means they could access the top speed boost off the line.
<\/p>\n \n22 drivers in the middle of straight mode activation zone is as chaotic as it sounds, posing a potential safety risk that Oscar Piastri called a ‘recipe for disaster’<\/a>.
<\/p>\n \nReportedly, it has been agreed that a rule tweak will be introduced in Melbourne, although the FIA are yet to give their official approval. There will either be a change in the regulations or an order from the race director on safety grounds.
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