McLaren has expressed encouragement about Formula 1's new practice start procedures following trials at the Bahrain pre-season test. The FIA implemented an extended start sequence with an additional five seconds between cars lining up and the light sequence, addressing safety concerns about the 2026 cars' laborious start procedure. This modification aims to help drivers at the back of the grid spool up their turbos effectively.

The extended start procedure was trialled at the end of Wednesday's running in Bahrain, with drivers receiving more time to prepare before the start lights activated. The change comes as F1 prepares for the 2026 regulations, which have raised questions about the efficiency and safety of current start procedures. McLaren's positive response suggests the modification could become a permanent feature for the upcoming season.

While the FIA continues to evaluate various solutions for the 2026 cars, McLaren's feedback indicates the extended start procedure shows promise in addressing key concerns. The team's encouragement suggests this approach might help maintain competitive starts while ensuring safety remains paramount as F1 enters a new technical era.