![Franco Colpinto [front] avoided Liam Lawson [back] at the start of the Australian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Franco-Colapinto-F1-Aus-GP.webp)
The top three drivers of the opening Formula 1 race of the 2026 season could not believe their eyes when shown how Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided a horrible collision on the start line.
F1’s new regulations caused much chaos during the curtain-raiser in Melbourne, with George Russell seeing off the challenge of Charles Leclerc to open his account with a win, heading a Mercedes 1-2.
Leclerc got in on the act with a lightning fast start, as was customary of Ferrari during the mock starts in pre-season testing in Bahrain last month.
The starts have been a concern for drivers, due to the new engines causing a change in the rules, seeing drivers being held in their grid slots for an additional five seconds in order to wind up their turbos.
Liam Lawson, starting eighth, was one driver that could not get away well, ultimately costing him a chance of points.
But it almost got a lot worse for the Kiwi there and then, with Colapinto, starting further behind had a fraction to react as the Racing Bulls slowed in front.
The Argentinian did brilliantly to skirt around Lawson’s car, avoiding an immediate DNF for the both of them.
Watch the footage below!
We all had the same response to Franco's impressive reactions at the start! 🤯 #F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/PvSfBv7HDe
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 8, 2026
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