Australian Grand Prix Set to Feature Modified F1 Start Protocol Following Team Complaints
The FIA has implemented alterations to the Formula 1 starting procedure ahead of the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The regulatory adjustment comes in response to formal objections raised by multiple teams competing on the grid.
In preparation for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, which will serve as the championship's opening round, the FIA has confirmed modifications to the established F1 start procedure. The regulatory body made this decision following complaints lodged by several teams regarding the existing starting protocol.
The nature of these adjustments reflects the FIA's commitment to addressing concerns raised by competing teams as the new season approaches. With the grid having voiced their objections to the current procedure, motorsport's governing body has taken action to implement changes designed to address these issues before the season commences at Albert Park.
This modification represents one of several regulatory developments teams will need to adapt to as they prepare their challengers for the 2026 campaign.
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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 B5.4.1
Delayed Start Procedure
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
If there's a problem before the race officially starts (like bad weather or track hazards), the Race Director can delay the start. When this happens, orange lights flash on the gantry and a 'DELAYED START' sign appears to tell everyone to wait.
- Can only be used before the formation lap begins
- Orange lights and a displayed board signal the delay to all teams and spectators
- Gives the Race Director control to ensure safe racing conditions
- Part of the official grid procedure rules
Official FIA Text
If at any point during the grid procedure (Article B5.5), the Race Director decides the start of the TTCS should be delayed, and the formation lap has not started, the orange lights on the start gantry will be illuminated and a board saying 'DELAYED START' will be displayed.
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