Perez Predicts Major Crash Looming as F1 2026 Start System Proves Problematic
Sergio Perez has raised serious safety concerns about Formula 1's revised starting procedure following a close call between Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto at the Australian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver believes a significant collision is inevitable unless the new system is addressed, after Lawson struggled with battery power while Colapinto's quick reflexes prevented disaster.
The new starting format introduced for the 2026 season is already proving troublesome, with one of the paddock's most experienced voices sounding the alarm about potential catastrophe ahead.
Sergio Perez has voiced serious concerns about F1's modified launch procedure, arguing that a major accident is only a matter of time given the current ruleset. His warning comes in the wake of a harrowing moment at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, where two drivers came perilously close to colliding on the opening lap.
During that race, Liam Lawson found himself at a distinct disadvantage when leaving the grid, unable to generate sufficient power from his battery system. This sluggish getaway would have resulted in disaster had Franco Colapinto not demonstrated exceptional situational awareness and nimble driving to narrowly avoid contact with the Racing Bulls car ahead of him.
The incident has highlighted a fundamental flaw in how the sport's new starting system operates, with battery management emerging as a critical differentiator between competitors during the crucial opening moments of a race. Perez's assessment suggests this won't be an isolated near-miss, and that the regulations could precipitate a serious collision if modifications aren't implemented promptly.
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 C5.20.3
Battery Management System Requirements
Chapter: C5
In Simple Terms
Every F1 car's battery system must have a smart safety manager (BMS) that constantly watches for problems and can automatically reduce power or shut down the battery if something goes wrong. It also needs to keep all the individual battery cells balanced so they work evenly together.
- The BMS acts as a safety guardian, detecting faults and protecting the battery from unsafe operation
- If problems are detected, the system can reduce power output or completely shut down the ERS to prevent damage
- The BMS must actively balance battery cells to minimize voltage differences between them for optimal performance
- This ensures both driver safety and fair competition by preventing batteries from operating in dangerous conditions
Official FIA Text
The ES must be equipped with a BMS which: a. Must detect internal faults and must trigger power reduction delivered from/to the battery or shutdown the ERS if it considers that the ES is operating unsafely. b. Must be capable of reducing the voltage dispersion between each cell to its minimal level.
Article C5.2.9
Energy Storage State of Charge Range
Chapter: C5
In Simple Terms
The energy storage system (ES) in F1 cars must maintain a relatively narrow operating window while racing. The difference between when the battery is most charged and least charged cannot exceed 4 megajoules at any point the car is on track. This rule ensures fair competition by preventing teams from using an unrestricted battery range.
- Energy storage can fluctuate by a maximum of 4MJ between its highest and lowest charge states during racing
- This limitation applies whenever the car is on track, including practice sessions and races
- The rule prevents teams from gaining unfair advantages through unrestricted battery management strategies
- Teams must carefully calibrate their energy recovery and deployment systems to stay within this window
Official FIA Text
Difference between maximum and minimum state of charge of ES may not exceed 4MJ at any time car is on track.
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