Get ready for a Formula 1 season opener like no other – Pierre Gasly is urging fans to tune in to the Australian Grand Prix, hinting that this race could be one for the history books. But here's where it gets controversial: could the new regulations turn the start into a chaotic spectacle?
If he weren’t racing himself, Gasly admits he’d be glued to the screen, eagerly anticipating the drama that might unfold when the lights go out in Melbourne. And there’s good reason for his excitement. This year, F1 has introduced significant changes to both chassis and engine regulations, which could dramatically shake up the traditional start sequence. And this is the part most people miss: the removal of the MGU-H from the engine setup has made it far more challenging for cars to hit the optimal turbo operational window at the start. Instead, drivers now rely more heavily on the internal combustion engine, revving higher for longer periods before launch. This delicate process increases the risk of slow getaways or even anti-stall issues, adding an unpredictable edge to the race’s opening moments.
On the chassis side, Oscar Piastri has raised concerns about the potential use of active aerodynamics before Turn 1, suggesting that a pack of 22 cars with reduced downforce could spell disaster. Gasly, while cautious, didn’t elaborate further on his cryptic comment that the race could be ‘one that everybody remembers.’ He did, however, acknowledge the heightened difficulty: ‘We’ll find out… it’s definitely going to be more tricky than it used to be.’
Despite the challenges, Gasly believes teams will eventually master the new start procedures within weeks or months. However, after just two weeks of testing, he’s certain that Australia will be a tough test. ‘Reliability and finishing the race will be the top priorities,’ he emphasized. ‘These cars are extremely complex, far more than their predecessors.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Could the new rules disproportionately affect backmarkers? With drivers needing to rev engines for longer periods, those starting at the back of the grid may face a significant disadvantage, as they’ll have less time to prepare before the lights go out. Esteban Ocon, however, argues that altering the procedure now would be unfair to the front runners, who shouldn’t have to wait excessively long with cold tires. He predicts more variability in starts, with drivers potentially losing multiple positions—or even the entire grid—compared to previous years.
As the season kicks off, one thing is clear: the 2026 F1 cars are a far cry from their simpler predecessors. ‘It’s very strange,’ Ocon admitted. ‘What we do as drivers doesn’t have much of an input on that. It’s the same for all of us.’
What do you think? Will the Australian Grand Prix live up to Gasly’s predictions? Are the new regulations a recipe for chaos, or will teams quickly adapt? Let us know in the comments below!
