McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has called on the FIA to consider a “simple adjustment” to protect the “bigger interest” of safety for Formula 1 in 2026.
The opening pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit has given teams a clearer picture about the 2026 regulations reset and the all-new cars.
While the competitive landscape is something all the teams are deliberating upon, the Woking-based-team has also managed to isolate certain concerns, on the safety side of things.
The revamped power unit regulations have transformed the engine formula – now dictating a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric propulsion.
That said, even though this is a welcome move towards sustainability, Stella has recognized a by-product gremlin that could endanger drivers whilst on track.
“We need to make sure that the race start procedure allows all cars to have the power unit ready to go because the grid is not the place in which you want to have cars slow in taking off the grid,” the Italian explained to media including Motorsport Week.
In addition to the long start procedures these new engines require, which could catch a few unawares on the grid, the inherent characteristics of the new cars can also pose other safety concerns Stella revealed.
One such issue is the matter of lifting and coasting. The new regulations focused on closer racing – which in turn would have drivers closer than ever to a leading car. But the inherent need to conserve and recharge ones battery would mean drastically different closing speeds.
Citing Mark Webber’s horror airborne crash at Valencia, Stella asserted F1 cannot afford any such mishaps. “This may not be an ideal situation when you follow closely,” he added.
“This can give rise to a situation like we have seen before a few times like Webber in Valencia, Patrese in Portugal, and a few more that definitely we don’t want to see anymore in Formula 1.”
The “no-brainer” solution McLaren has to F1’s impending safety concerns
Looking at the upcoming regulations, and its implications, Stella has suggested, rather, urged the FIA to take some swift actions.
That said, the former Ferrari man is well aware that any potential move towards amending the start procedure will be met with staunch opposition from rivals.
But Stella has advised the likes of Ferrari (who had voted against such a change) to refrain from such politics simply because “some topics which are simply bigger than the competitive interest”.
“We’re not talking about how fast you are in qualifying,” Stella emphasised. “We are not talking about what’s your race pace. We are talking about safety on the grid.
“There’s some topics which are simply bigger than the competitive interest. And for me, having safety on the grid, which can be achieved with a simple adjustment, is just a no-brainer. It’s just a bigger interest.
“I think it’s imperative. I think it’s imperative because it’s possible and it’s simple. We should not complicate what is simple and we should not postpone what is possible immediately.
“Therefore, I think it’s something that we should definitely achieve before Australia.”
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