F1's 2026 power units are fundamentally altering race starts, forcing drivers to rev engines for up to 10 seconds before launch and prompting urgent calls for rule changes ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. The absence of the MGU-H energy recovery system means the internal combustion engine must now sustain extremely high revolutions for extended periods to spool the turbo, a task it previously shared with the MGU-H. This has led to significant variations in practice starts, with peaks exceeding 13,000rpm recorded, far higher than the 9,000-10,000rpm typical under the old hybrid system.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri warns this could transform race starts into an "F2 race" where a single mistake costs six or seven positions, not just wheelspin. Teams are currently working within pre-set windows, but the system must be race-ready when the lights go out, raising concerns about reliability and performance gaps between manufacturers like Ferrari, which may use a smaller turbo, and Red Bull's aggressive gear strategy. The core issue remains the lack of MGU-H support during the critical start sequence.