F1 increases start practice but rejects formation lap change
Formula 1 drivers are to be allowed extra practice starts at the Chinese Grand Prix as part of new procedures introduced by the FIA to alleviate concerns about safety.
But the formation lap recharge limit highlighted as a problem by championship leader George Russell will not change despite calls from some teams.
The chaotic start to the season opener in Australia, especially the near-miss involving Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson, triggered fears from many drivers that F1 risked a big accident because of the inconsistency of getaways.
The complicated way that the 2026 cars have to be prepared for the starts, allied to difficult battery management, has meant it is all too easy for drivers to get it wrong and suffer terrible launches.
Cadillac’s Sergio Perez was one of several drivers who felt that the FIA was playing with fire if measures were not taken to help the situation.
"It is just a matter of time before a massive shunt happens," he said ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
In light of what happened in Australia, discussions took place between teams and the FIA on Thursday about ways to improve things for China.
While some consideration was given to lifting a recharge limit that is in place for the formation lap - after this caused problems with battery management in Australia - The Race has learned that it was decided in the end that this should not be pushed through.
It was felt that increasing the limit would only serve to exacerbate problems with drivers accelerating and braking more heavily, and could lead to further unintended consequences.
This call also came against the backdrop of Ferrari in particular being resistant to the FIA rushing to change start regulations because some teams had made design decisions that make it harder for their cars to make good getaways.
While the formation lap recharge restriction is staying in place, the FIA has opened the door to give drivers more freedom to practice their getaways so they are as best prepared as possible.
In revised event notes sent ahead of opening practice at the Chinese Grand Prix, F1 race director Rui Marques said that drivers will now be allowed to complete two extra laps after each session to simulate race starts.
Marques said that after the chequered flag, drivers: "may complete two further laps, for the sole purpose of stopping on the grid to perform practice starts on each of these laps."
