FIA releases statement on safety of F1 race starts after meeting in Bahrain

All 11 teams met with the FIA and Formula 1 on the first day of the final pre-season test on Wednesday

The FIA have resisted calls to immediately modify the start of Formula 1 races, but did not rule out changes could occur in the future.

An F1 Commission meeting – involving all 11 teams, the FIA and F1 executives – took place in Bahrain on Wednesday as the first day of the final pre-season test took place, a fortnight out from the season-opener in Melbourne.

A hot topic in recent days has been the potential safety risks of race starts, given the new cars need more turbo boost pressure – and therefore more time – to move off the line, with McLaren team boss Andrea Stella insisting last week he was concerned about the potential of dangerous collisions on the grid.

Yet despite “constructive talks and proposals”, the sport’s governing body have resisted changing the start procedure and any of the technical regulations, for now.

However, in a separate meeting between the Power Unit Advisory Committee, it was agreed that a vote would take place on how engine compression ratios are measured, with a change potentially coming as early as the August summer break. This would most severely impact Mercedes, who have been the most vocal in their belief that their engine is within the rules despite the protests of other teams.

The FIA statement read: “Over recent weeks and months, the FIA and the Power Unit Manufacturers have collaboratively developed a methodology to quantify how the compression ratio changes from ambient to operating conditions.

“Following validation of this approach, a proposal has been submitted whereby, from 1 August 2026, compliance with the compression ratio limit must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions, but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C.

“The vote has been submitted to the Power Unit Manufacturers, and its outcome is expected within the next 10 days and will be communicated in due course. As with all Formula 1 regulatory changes, any amendment remains subject to final approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

“Further evaluation and technical checks on energy management matters will be carried out over the following three days at the second pre-season test in Bahrain.

“It was agreed that no immediate major regulatory changes were required given that initial evidence and feedback remains immature and that premature change carried the risk of increased instability ahead of the first race. Further reviews will be carried out once more data becomes available.

“There were constructive talks and proposals centred on the race start procedure during the commission meeting. As a result, further evaluation of updates to race systems and on-car management will be undertaken during the current Bahrain test.”

In addition, the F1 Commission did detail discussions around doubling the number of sprint races from six to 12. A move to a dozen sprints would mean the short-race format, much criticised by four-time world champion Max Verstappen, would take up exactly 50% of the 24-race calendar.

While scope has been left to make last-minute changes, time is running out with the season starting at the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March.