Piastri raises safety concerns ahead of Aus GP

Oscar Piastri has highlighted concerns around the F1’s new ‘complicated’ start procedure.

The new regulations surrounding the power units are coming into effect this season, meaning there will be a change to how the cars will start.

Last season, those on the grid were able to get their turbo spinning and in the ideal zone to launch through the heat component of the motor generator unit (MGU-H).

But in 2026, that part of the MGU will have been removed, which has now changed how drivers will get their cars ready.

This now puts an extra focus on revving the car before they start with the V6 turbo engine for at least 10 seconds as they are unable to access any deployment of electical power until they reach 50km/h.

With that, it has caused concern that cars are now more likely not to get a smooth start off the line, which could see either wheelspin or the engine getting bogged.

Speaking on the issue, the 24-year-old believes that the issue needs to be addressed before the Australian Grand Prix.

“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 said.

“So, it’s something that we’ll talk about between now and Melbourne, I’m sure.”

That wasn’t the only issue that Piastri would like to see addressed before the season opener with the Australian driver also pointing out that he has some concerns surrounding overtaking.

But the issue of the new start procedure is the issue that has him most concerned.

“I think a pack of 22 cars with a couple hundred points less downforce sounds like a recipe for disaster to me, but there’s a few of those aspects that need to be spoke about,” he added.

“The thing is everyone’s going to need different things for the start. And to be completely honest with you, I’m not sure any of us know exactly what we need yet.

“We’ve probably got rough ideas. I’m sure we’ll find a way to do a proper start.

“It’s just that the difference between a good and bad start last year was you got a bit of wheelspin or you had a bad reaction time, whereas this year, it could be, effectively, like an F2 race, where you almost go into anti-stall or something. You’re not just losing five meters or so. You can be losing six or seven spots, if it goes well.

“There’s so many things just from an even borderline safety point of view that need to be kind of figured out on track, that do need addressing.”

It's not the only change that Piastri will be getting used to in 2026.

Oscar Piastri’s has made a change to his inner circle with it being confirmed that Mark Webber will taking a step back from his duties with the young star.

The former F1 star, who raced with Red Bull for seven years before retiring, has been a constant presence in Piastri’s career since he stepped up to F1 in 2023.

Webber was the brains behind Piastri’s acrimonious defection from Alpine to McLaren which also saw him oust compatriot Daniel Ricciardo from his seat with the papaya outfit.

Heading into his fourth season in F1, Piastri has added Pedro Matos to his close circle.

Matos was the Australian’s race engineer from his title-winning F2 season in 2021.

According to Planet F1, Matos will take on the day-to-day role Webber has occupied with the ex-driver and his partner Ann Neal set to take care of “commercial and contractual matters”.

It means Webber will not attend every race as he has done in previous seasons.

Piastri goes into 2026 looking to right the wrongs of last year.

Having led the drivers championship by a considerable margin, a series of setbacks, team orders and poor results saw him slip down the pecking order to eventually finish third behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

Webber was subjected to intense scrutiny in 2025 with Ralf Schumacher accusing him of mishandling the rumoured McLaren preferential treatment between drivers.

“A manager has to actively step up and say 'Look, guys, the problem isn't with the team,” Schumacher said in October as Piastri season spiralled.

“The car suits Lando better at the moment, Oscar needs some time. Both receive equal support.' But Webber prefers to be on the phone and wave things off, which is a shame.

“For Webber, it's a nightmare scenario. He himself lost the World Championship in the final stretch in 2010 against his teammate Sebastian Vettel, Ralf said. "For him, it's deja vu - something he doesn't want at all.

“But it seems he lacks the necessary distance and maturity to recognise what he needs to do for the team and his driver. And he also lacks the necessary fairness towards Lando Norris.”