The FIA will trial modified start procedure timings at the end of each day during Bahrain's second pre-season test to address safety concerns. The changes come as Formula 1's 2026 regulations place greater emphasis on electric energy regeneration under braking while removing the MGU-H system. This has forced drivers to rev V6 combustion engines for around 10 seconds to spool turbos at race starts.

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella proposed allowing more grid preparation time, but Ferrari opposed the idea after being told procedures would remain unchanged in 2025. Ferrari reportedly designed its turbo to reduce spool-up time. The FIA will gather data during Bahrain testing to make an informed decision before the season opener in Melbourne.

Safety concerns about extreme closing speeds when cars run out of energy on straights were discussed but will not prompt immediate regulatory changes. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas downplayed the dangers, though Bottas noted challenges for those starting at the back of the grid who have less time to prepare their start procedures.