Russell Struggles with New Start Procedure as Ferrari Emerges as Pre-Season Standout
George Russell has admitted to experiencing significant difficulties during practice starts at 2026 testing, describing his performances as worse than anything he has encountered before. The Mercedes driver's struggles come as the sport adapts to a revised race start format requiring extended engine revving to spool the turbo, with Ferrari demonstrating early mastery of the new technique.
Mercedes driver George Russell has opened up about his troubles navigating the 2026 season's overhauled start procedure, revealing that his practice attempts during pre-season testing fell short of even his lowest expectations.
The paddock has been focused on discussing one of the most significant regulatory changes heading into the new campaign: a modified race start protocol that mandates drivers rev their engines for a minimum of 10 seconds to build turbo pressure. This fundamental alteration to the traditional start sequence has proven challenging for many on the grid.
While the broader paddock grapples with mastering the new procedure, Russell's candid admission highlights the steep learning curve ahead. More encouragingly for the Scuderia, Ferrari appears to have found its footing early, demonstrating relative proficiency with the demanding new technical requirements during the same testing sessions.
As teams continue fine-tuning their approaches to the revised format ahead of the 2026 season, Russell's experience serves as a reminder that even elite drivers face considerable adaptation periods when the sport introduces substantial procedural changes.
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Autosport
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article 48.1
Race Start Procedure
Chapter: Chapter IV - The Race
In Simple Terms
The race start follows a strict countdown. At the one-minute signal, all engines must start and team staff must leave. If a car has problems after the 15-second signal, the driver raises their arm and the car gets pushed to the pit lane while others proceed. This ensures safety and fairness in race starts.
- Engines must start at one-minute signal
- Team personnel leave grid by 15-second signal
- Drivers with problems raise arm for assistance
- Stricken cars pushed to pit lane
Official FIA Text
When the one minute signal is shown, engines should be started and all team personnel must leave the grid by the time the 15 second signal is shown. If any driver needs assistance after the 15 second signal he must raise his arm and, when the remainder of the cars able to do so have left the grid, marshals will be instructed to push the car into the pit lane.
Article B5.7.2
Standing Start Procedure with Red Lights
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
After the formation lap, drivers line up on the grid with their engines running. The race starts when five red lights on the gantry turn on one after another (one per second), then all suddenly turn off—that's the signal to go!
- Cars must stop within their designated grid positions with engines running
- Start is signaled by five red lights that extinguish simultaneously
- Each red light appears at one-second intervals
- The starter decides when the fifth light goes out (no fixed timing)
Official FIA Text
When Cars return to grid at end of formation lap(s), they must stop within starting grid positions keeping engines running. Standing start signalled by five red lights on start gantry, extinguishing all lights signals start. Time interval between each light is one second; interval between fifth light and extinction at starter's discretion.
Article C8.3.2
Start lockout period
Chapter: C8
In Simple Terms
After each race start and every pit stop, the car's engine and gearbox are locked down for a brief period where drivers cannot adjust certain power and transmission settings. This is enforced by the FIA's standard control computer to ensure fair competition and prevent drivers from gaining unfair advantages during these critical moments.
- A lockout period activates immediately after race starts and pit stops
- During lockout, power unit and transmission functions are frozen or disabled
- The FIA Standard ECU automatically implements and manages this lockout
- Prevents drivers from making adjustments that could provide unfair competitive advantage
Official FIA Text
The FIA Standard ECU will implement a lockout period after each race start or pit stop during which a number of Power Unit and transmission related functions will be frozen or disabled.
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