# Colapinto Relives ‘Dangerous’ 200km/h Near-Miss with Lawson at Australian GP Start

**URL:** <https://intoguide.com/t/colapinto-relives-dangerous-200km-h-near-miss-with-lawson-at-australian-gp-start/246>\
**Category:** F1 Features\
**Created:** [March 13, 2026, 10:31am UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/colapinto-relives-dangerous-200km-h-near-miss-with-lawson-at-australian-gp-start/246 "2026-03-13T10:31:46Z")\
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**Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 10:31am UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/colapinto-relives-dangerous-200km-h-near-miss-with-lawson-at-australian-gp-start/246/1 "2026-03-13T10:31:46Z")

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# **Colapinto’s Start Scare in Melbourne**

### **1. The Dangerous Near-Miss**

- Colapinto, starting **P16** , approached Liam Lawson’s **stationary P8 car** at over **200 km/h**.

- He had to take **split-second evasive action** to avoid a major collision.

- The incident highlighted the risks introduced by **F1 2026’s new power units** and start procedures.

* * *

### **2. Why It Happened**

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/1X/3feac037be5fcf52a4f4e4c454b1cdb87d8bf92c.jpeg)

- Cars now run a **50/50 electrical/combustion split** without the MGU-H.

- Drivers struggle to hit the **optimal rev window** for starts, making them **less predictable**.

- Colapinto described the situation as **“sketchy at best, dangerous at worst.”**

* * *

### **3. FIA Measures**

- A **blue light system** was implemented during testing and used in Melbourne to warn drivers of the impending start.

- Colapinto noted that despite this, the **inconsistency of starts remains a major challenge**.

* * *

### **4. Drivers’ Concerns**

- **Sergio Perez:** “It’s just a matter of time before a massive shunt happens… these power units are very difficult to start.”

- **Esteban Ocon:** Stalling in front of another car could be **one of the worst crashes** a driver can experience.

- **Lance Stroll:** Starts are **just one of many issues** with the over-complicated 2026 regulations.

* * *

### **5. Colapinto’s Takeaway**

- Teams and drivers **will improve over time** , reducing the risk.

- Until then, **starts remain a dangerous moment** , and **preparation or fixes may be needed**.

- He stressed the **speed difference between stalled cars and normally running cars** makes early-race starts especially perilous.