Two veteran Formula 1 drivers have dismissed concerns around the potential danger of prolonged starting procedures due to the new regulations.
Last week, the issue of safety was raised specifically on start line getaways, when drivers who attempted mock race starts struggled to launch from their respective grid slots in sufficient time.
This was down to drivers’ new responsibilities to ensure ample battery capacity and revving the engine, due to the 50-50 equality of power in the new engines.
With some drivers getting away quicker than others, it sparked a debate as to whether there could be a significant element of danger.
But after the morning session of the opening day of the second week of testing in Bahrain, Valtteri Bottas, one of five assembled drivers in the afternoon press conference, ruled out any possibility of heightened risks.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s more dangerous than before,” the Finn told media including Motorsport Week. “The main difference is we’re there sitting now, today, at this point, with longer hold revs. I think we’ve got to figure out something for that.
“My only concern with that is, let’s say, you’re at the back of the grid for the race start. Once you start putting your hold revs, the light will already start going. You won’t have enough time to get the turbo spinning before the lights go off. That’s obviously only an issue for the drivers in the back.
“Apart from that, I think we’ll find solutions.I don’t see the element of danger in just having longer hold revs.”
‘Take away the connotation of danger’ – Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton quickly corroborated his old Mercedes team-mate’s point, adding further detail that there is not necessarily a requirement to put an emphasis on the use of the turbo.
“It’s definitely not dangerous,” the Ferrari driver agreed, to medina including Motorsport Week. “I think we should probably take that connotation away from it. It’s just a different procedure. It’s just a longer procedure than it has been in the past.
“Right now, you put the five lights up. We would all still be standing there when the lights went out for a little bit longer. But you can still pull away without the turbo going.
“You should probably mount an anti-stall a couple of times. I guess perhaps the anti-stall is something that maybe is a potential for some people.
“I don’t think it’s dangerous.”
Max Verstappen did not offer an opinion, but amusingly offered a left-field solution to the problem.
“You can always start from the pit lane,” the Dutchman joked. “You catch up to the back of the pack. It’s OK.”
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