F1 | FIA steps in over start concerns as Ferrari and McLaren find common ground. The FIA responds to concerns raised by Ferrari and McLaren over race start procedures.

After concerns raised by Ferrari and McLaren, the FIA has stepped in and taken a decision aimed at resolving the issue surrounding race start procedures in Formula 1.

Both Ferrari and McLaren had expressed their worries regarding the complexity and timing of the current start sequence, and the governing body has now responded to those requests. As early as last season, the Scuderia had already brought the matter to the attention of the Federation, but its concerns were not addressed at the time. As a result, the Maranello-based team reacted by developing a new technical solution in order to adapt to the existing framework.

More recently, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella returned to the topic, highlighting how too much time was being spent on Power Unit ignition during the race start phase. The Italian manager called for support from Maranello, which, as expected, chose to remain silent publicly. According to paddock rumors, the Red car has developed a turbo solution designed to reduce the time required to reach the correct boost level before launch.

Start procedure issue: FIA decision already in effect in Bahrain

In an effort to ease the situation without altering the official start sequence itself, the FIA has reached a conclusion that could satisfy all parties involved. The new approach will already be implemented during the Bahrain test sessions. According to the Federation, at the end of each testing day, teams will be allowed to conduct dedicated start practice runs at scheduled times in order to gather data and driver feedback under controlled conditions.

“Constructive discussions and proposals focused on the race start procedure took place during the Commission meeting,” the FIA stated in an official release. “As a result, during the current Bahrain tests, further evaluations of race system updates and on-board management will be carried out.”

Andrea Stella raises safety concerns

Andrea Stella also sounded the alarm over potential safety issues linked to extreme closing speeds on the straights when cars are approaching one another under certain conditions. On this specific matter, however, the FIA has decided not to take immediate regulatory action, preferring instead to collect additional feedback and data before intervening.

“It was agreed that no immediate substantial regulatory changes were required, given that the initial trials and feedback remain incomplete and that a premature modification could have risked greater instability before the first race,” the FIA added. “Further reviews will be conducted as soon as additional data becomes available.”

The decision represents a compromise solution ahead of the season opener, allowing teams to better understand and optimize their launch procedures without introducing rushed rule changes. As Formula 1 prepares for the first Grand Prix of the year, the governing body appears focused on balancing technical fairness, performance considerations, and safety in equal measure.