McLaren Raises Alarm Over Starting Grid Safety Following Close Call in Melbourne
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has highlighted ongoing safety vulnerabilities in Formula 1's starting procedures following a near-incident at the Australian Grand Prix. The close encounter between Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson has reignited concerns about the complexity of the 2026 season's launch protocol.
The McLaren Formula 1 team is pushing the series to take further action on safety matters, with particular focus on the starting grid procedures, according to team principal Andrea Stella.
A dramatic moment during Sunday's Australian Grand Prix underscored the issue when Alpine driver Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided a potential major incident at the start. Colapinto managed to swerve around Liam Lawson, who had experienced a sluggish getaway from the line. The near-miss came as drivers navigated the intricate starting sequence that characterizes the 2026 F1 season.
Stella's comments suggest the incident has exposed gaps in the current safety framework surrounding the race start, with the McLaren principal calling for the sport to implement additional safeguards to prevent similar occurrences. The complexity of modern starting procedures appears to be a contributing factor to the hazard, prompting renewed debate within the paddock about whether the current system adequately protects driver welfare.
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
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 B5.5.5
One Minute Signal and Fifteen Second Signal
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
When the one-minute signal is given, teams must start their engines. By the fifteen-second signal, all team personnel must be completely off the grid. If any team member touches the car or its equipment after the fifteen-second signal, the driver must start the race from the pit lane instead of the grid, and will receive a drive-through penalty.
- Engines must be started after the one-minute signal
- All team personnel must leave the grid before the fifteen-second signal
- Touching the car or equipment after fifteen seconds results in a pit lane start
- A drive-through penalty is applied for any pit lane infractions related to this rule
Official FIA Text
When the one (1) minute signal is shown: Engines should be started and all team personnel must leave the grid by the fifteen (15) second signal. If team personnel touch a Car or equipment is connected after fifteen second signal, the driver must start from Pit Lane. A Drive-Through Penalty applied for pit lane infractions.
Article B5.6.4
Overtaking During Formation Lap
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
During the formation lap (the lap before the race starts), drivers can only pass another car if that car is going too slowly and blocking the field. When they do overtake, they must pass only to get back to their correct starting position—no gaining extra positions.
- Overtaking is only allowed if a car is delayed and causing obstruction to other cars
- Drivers cannot pass cars just to gain an advantage—only to restore their original grid position
- The rule prevents drivers from making race-deciding moves before the race officially begins
- Unnecessary overtaking during the formation lap can result in penalties
Official FIA Text
Overtaking during the formation lap is only permitted if a Car is delayed and Cars behind cannot avoid passing it without unduly delaying the remainder of the field. Drivers may only overtake to re-establish original starting order.
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