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FIA Trials New Start Procedure Amid F1 Safety Concerns

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will trial a new start procedure at Bahrain's pre-season test to address safety concerns about Formula 1 power units.
The revised procedure includes a simulated race start after a red flag, allowing two formation laps before a new pre-start warning sequence.
Ferrari has raised concerns about turbo spooling time, while Hamilton and Bottas downplay safety risks, saying the change is manageable ahead of Melbourne.

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Story summary

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will trial a new start procedure at Bahrain's pre-season test to address safety concerns about Formula 1 power units.
The revised procedure includes a simulated race start after a red flag, allowing two formation laps before a new pre-start warning sequence.
Ferrari has raised concerns about turbo spooling time, while Hamilton and Bottas downplay safety risks, saying the change is manageable ahead of Melbourne.