Colapinto’s Start Scare in Melbourne
1. The Dangerous Near-Miss
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Colapinto, starting P16, approached Liam Lawson’s stationary P8 car at over 200 km/h.
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He had to take split-second evasive action to avoid a major collision.
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The incident highlighted the risks introduced by F1 2026’s new power units and start procedures.
2. Why It Happened
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Cars now run a 50/50 electrical/combustion split without the MGU-H.
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Drivers struggle to hit the optimal rev window for starts, making them less predictable.
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Colapinto described the situation as “sketchy at best, dangerous at worst.”
3. FIA Measures
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A blue light system was implemented during testing and used in Melbourne to warn drivers of the impending start.
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Colapinto noted that despite this, the inconsistency of starts remains a major challenge.
4. Drivers’ Concerns
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Sergio Perez: “It’s just a matter of time before a massive shunt happens… these power units are very difficult to start.”
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Esteban Ocon: Stalling in front of another car could be one of the worst crashes a driver can experience.
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Lance Stroll: Starts are just one of many issues with the over-complicated 2026 regulations.
5. Colapinto’s Takeaway
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Teams and drivers will improve over time, reducing the risk.
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Until then, starts remain a dangerous moment, and preparation or fixes may be needed.
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He stressed the speed difference between stalled cars and normally running cars makes early-race starts especially perilous.