F1 Driver Piastri Worried About Race Starts

Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has shared concerns about safety, especially during the start of races. He feels the new cars and rules could make things dangerous. These worries come before the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
By Newsroom | Formula 1, Australia |

Recent preseason testing has brought to light significant safety worries among Formula 1 drivers, particularly concerning the start of races and the dynamics of the new generation of cars. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has been vocal about these issues, expressing that the current situation, with untested cars and uncertainties around overtaking, could lead to a dangerous outcome. These concerns come ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, a race Piastri hopes will be addressed to ensure a safe competition.

Preseason Testing and Emerging Worries

Formula 1's preseason testing in Bahrain, where drivers completed extensive laps, has revealed potential challenges with the sport's revamped regulations and car designs. Oscar Piastri has been a prominent voice highlighting these anxieties, specifically noting issues related to race starts.

  • Testing sessions were held in Bahrain from February 14-16, with a subsequent session scheduled for February 18-20.

  • The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is set to take place from March 6-8.

  • This period follows a comprehensive revision of F1's cars, rules, and regulations.

Piastri's "Recipe for Disaster" Warning

Oscar Piastri has used the phrase "recipe for disaster" to describe the potential consequences of current safety concerns, particularly regarding race starts and overtaking maneuvers. He emphasizes the need for these issues to be resolved before the upcoming Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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'Recipe for disaster': Piastri raises Melbourne F1 safety concerns - 1

"Starts need to be addressed, because, probably as we've all seen, it's a pretty complicated process now to have a safe start, let alone a competitive one," Piastri stated after testing.

  • Piastri believes the combination of new, low downforce cars that have not yet been tested in race conditions, alongside existing uncertainties about overtaking, creates a hazardous scenario.

  • He clarified that practice start issues observed in Bahrain were due to miscommunication, not problems with the new engines.

Conflicting Views on Performance

While Piastri focuses on safety, other teams and drivers are discussing performance. Discussions surrounding team competitiveness have also emerged, with contrasting observations being made about various car performances during testing.

  • Red Bull reportedly suggested that Mercedes appeared strong during testing.

  • This exchange is framed as part of the "mind games" that can occur before a race weekend.

An Unfortunate Past Event for Piastri

Separately, a previous race at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2025 saw Oscar Piastri experience a significant setback during his home race. A costly error on lap 44 of 57, occurring after a heavy rain shower, led to him losing his strong position and ultimately impacting his chance for a podium finish.

Read More: F1 Driver Oscar Piastri Worries About New Car Rules

  • Piastri accepted blame for the error, stating, "At the moment, it hurts, but there are genuinely a lot of positives to take."

  • Despite leading for much of the race alongside teammate Lando Norris, the challenging weather conditions and his subsequent mistake meant he could not secure a victory or podium at his home event.

  • This incident is referenced as part of a pattern of difficult outcomes for Australian drivers at their home Grand Prix.

Expert Analysis

"The start of a Formula 1 race is one of the most critical and potentially dangerous phases. With new regulations and car designs, it's understandable that drivers would want absolute clarity and confidence in the procedures to ensure safety." - Anonymous F1 Analyst

The new generation of F1 cars has been met with mixed reactions from drivers, with safety concerns at the start of races being a significant point of discussion. The untested nature of these cars in a competitive race environment, coupled with potential challenges in overtaking, has led to Piastri's cautionary remarks.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Oscar Piastri's comments underscore a critical need for the Formula 1 governing body and teams to thoroughly review and address safety protocols, especially concerning race starts. The approaching Australian Grand Prix, occurring just weeks after these concerns were voiced, amplifies the urgency.

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  • The potential for dangerous situations on the grid requires immediate attention.

  • Ensuring clear procedures for starts and addressing overtaking uncertainties are paramount for driver well-being and the integrity of the competition.

  • Further discussions and clarifications are expected among drivers and officials before the season opener.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Oscar Piastri worried about?
He is worried that the start of Formula 1 races might be unsafe because of the new cars and rules.
Q: When did these worries come up?
These worries came up during testing before the new season.
Q: What race is he talking about?
He is talking about the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Q: Is this about the new cars being too fast?
No, it's more about how the cars behave at the start and if they can overtake safely.