Story perspectives

Drivers Demand Safety Reforms After Near-Collision at GP

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

At the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Charles Leclerc expressed shock at a near-collision between Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson, raising safety concerns about start procedures.
The incident occurred amid engine rule changes, complicating revs and battery management.
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) discussions on rule adjustments are ongoing.
Some drivers, including Russell and Verstappen, press for better battery charging in formation laps, though teams resist.

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Story summary

At the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Charles Leclerc expressed shock at a near-collision between Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson, raising safety concerns about start procedures.
The incident occurred amid engine rule changes, complicating revs and battery management.
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) discussions on rule adjustments are ongoing.
Some drivers, including Russell and Verstappen, press for better battery charging in formation laps, though teams resist.