General · 5 March 2026
Melbourne to debut revised F1 starting protocol
Formula 1 has overhauled its starting protocol for the 2026 campaign to accommodate the loss of the MGU-H unit. To counteract increased turbo lag, a new five-second blue-light warning will flash once the grid is set, allowing drivers to build necessary engine revolutions. Debuting in Melbourne, this preparatory phase precedes the traditional red-light sequence. The change ensures the sophisticated new power units can launch effectively, adding a fresh layer of technical tension to the season opener.
Reported by formula1.com · How we write briefs