F1 2026: George Russell Slams Practice Starts as His Worst Ever – A Startling Revelation!
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, George Russell has described his practice starts during the 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain as the worst he has ever experienced. With the new regulations in place, Russell's frustrations highlight the challenges drivers are facing this season, and it seems Ferrari has emerged as the unlikely powerhouse in this critical aspect.
The introduction of a new race start procedure has become a hot topic ahead of the 2026 season. With engine revs now required to be held for a minimum of 10 seconds to properly spool up the turbo, the once smooth and instantaneous starts have been thrown into disarray. The removal of the MGU-H from the power unit has transformed the dynamics, making race starts more complex and significantly raising the stakes for drivers.
Russell did not mince words during Friday’s testing, stating, “The two starts I've made this week were worse than my worst ever start in Formula 1.” His comments came as he noted that even his teammate Lewis Hamilton, starting from P11, managed to rocket into P1, highlighting the crucial importance of a successful start. “At this stage, I don't think it matters how quick you are. The thing that's going to trip you up is going to be that tallest hurdle,” he lamented, emphasizing the steep learning curve drivers must navigate as they adapt to the new systems.
Ferrari's dominance in practice starts has not gone unnoticed, with Russell’s teammate Kimi Antonelli acknowledging the strength of the Ferrari power unit. “The Ferrari power unit looked very strong on starts,” Antonelli remarked, revealing that they too have been struggling to master the new procedure. “It is very complicated with the procedure, and I just need to really get it right. There is a lot of work to do, but I think today we made a good step forward.”
The stakes are higher than ever, as the belief among drivers is that poor timing could lead to catastrophic anti-stall situations. Oscar Piastri chimed in on the matter, warning that a botched start could cost drivers up to seven positions. He reflected on his own practice start, indicating, “I was last, but I think I passed about four cars as well. So I think it's just very random at the moment.”
Piastri further elaborated on the challenges, stating, “We’re all kind of learning what makes a good start, what makes a bad start. The way we do starts is much more difficult than last year. You've got a lot of power, the MGU-K kicks in at a certain point, so it's trickier from every single angle.”
As the drivers grapple with these new regulations, the unpredictability surrounding race starts promises to add an exhilarating layer of drama to the upcoming season. With each team racing to perfect their launch strategies, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions when the lights go out.
The 2026 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be a battleground where every second counts, and as George Russell’s experience illustrates, mastering the art of the start may very well determine who stands atop the podium at the end of the race. Buckle up; we are in for an exhilarating ride!
