Messy finish to first F1 take a look at provides to concern over race begin chaos

There was an eventful conclusion to the ultimate day of the opening F1 2026 pre-season take a look at in Bahrain.

First, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari conked out with lower than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, earlier than a scheduled apply begin didn’t go to plan.

As a part of an FIA programs examine, drivers lined up on the grid to apply the beginning process, the primary of which was aborted, resulting in an additional formation lap.

Second time across the lights did exit. However out of the seven automobiles on the grid, solely three bought going. Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli and Sergio Perez loved trouble-free getaways, however issues weren’t easy elsewhere.

Oscar Piastri didn’t get going right away in his McLaren, whereas Franco Colapinto was having all kinds of adventures. The Argentine almost crashed on his option to the grid as he accomplished burn outs to heat up his tyres.

Colapinto ended up within the grass and solely simply prevented the wall. Then, on the run right down to the primary nook, one thing went improper along with his engine, placing him in anti-stall and leaving his Alpine stranded on observe.

Race begins have grow to be a subject that has emerged through the first week in Bahrain as a part of an intriguing aspect of F1’s new-for-2026 rules, offering drivers with a further problem to get their heads round.

The removing of the MGU-H has made issues tricker than earlier than for the drivers, who are actually revving their engines a lot greater and for longer as soon as the clutch has been engaged.

To keep away from turbo lag, drivers have been protecting the turbo spooled up for round 10 seconds for essentially the most environment friendly launch. This additionally avoids over charging the battery.

Drivers anticipate extra variation and fewer excellent begins, notably within the early section of F1’s new period.

Whereas that potential jeopardy provides a component of pleasure and unpredictability, it might additionally lead to security issues, particularly for drivers in the direction of the again of the grid.

“Oh man, it’s sophisticated,” stated Gabriel Bortoleto, whose Audi’s apply begins prompted a stir after footage emerged on social media.

“The ten second factor after which after 5 seconds I already misplaced the depend after which engines revving up, gear out and in, and you should launch the clutch. It is fairly a multitude. It was a lot simpler final yr. Let’s have a look at how we find yourself in Melbourne.”

It has been reported that Ferrari blocked a earlier push to change the principles concerning begin sequences.

Like all issues, with apply and time, the drivers will get used to this new issue and find yourself discovering consistency.

However the messy apply begin on the finish of Friday ought to act as a warning shot.