Why 2026 F1 testing start “chaos” is “actually not as bad” as it looks

Williams Formula 1 driver Alex Albon doesn’t believe the current start “chaos” seen in pre-season testing is “actually as bad” as it looks.

The new-for-2026 power units have led to complicated new start procedures for drivers, as they have to now factor turbo lag into their preparations on the grid.

This has led to chaotic-looking practice starts during both Bahrain tests for almost all teams, though those with Ferrari power units have emerged with an apparent early advantage.

Discussions have been held in the F1 Commission over possible changes to the regulations amid safety fears over race starts, though nothing is set to change in the immediate future.

Alex Albon has played down fears over race starts, noting that they are being done on well-worn tyres after drivers have finished long runs.

“I don’t think what you’re seeing is really what’s going to happen,” he said on Friday in Bahrain.

“You’ve got drivers who are finishing long runs going into a practice start, doing high mileage on a tyre that’s already hot.

“So, you’re seeing this chaos of some people getting good starts and bad starts.

“But actually it’s not as bad as that.

“I think once everyone has the same tyres on the car and it’s the same formation lap for everyone, it will looks maybe not as smooth as last year. But it will be ok.”

Race starts in 2026 a matter of experience

Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg acknowledged that the starting procedure is one of the biggest differences with the new power units compared to before.

But he believes the current chaos is largely a matter of experience.

“I think that’s one of the areas that’s quite different from last year and the past,” Hulkenberg said.

“So, it’s one of the areas I think that’s still very fresh and very new.

“We don’t have that much experience, especially with proper race starts with all the cars on the grid.

“I think it’s one of the areas where a lot is still to be discovered, and with a lot of cleaning up to do because the previous generation of PUs was perfect and smooth.”