F1 2026: Lando Norris urges FIA action over 'chaos' at race starts - "We are going to have a big accident"

Lando Norris

Lando Norris urges FIA action over 'chaos' at F1 race starts: "We are going to have a big accident"

The McLaren F1 star wants action before something goes "horribly wrong"

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Monday 9 March 2026 21:40 Updated: 23:29

Lando Norris wants the FIA to take action over F1 race starts before a 'big accident' occurs.

Race starts have been a hot topic in 2026 as drivers get to grips with the new regulations and the time it takes to get going off the line.

We won't bore you here with all the gory details, but if you want a detailed explanation of why it is so controversial this year - we've got you covered.

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The long and the short of it is that drivers need to rev hard for a longer period of time this year to make sure they jump off the line properly. This is still far from perfect, as Franco Colapinto knows all too well.

An extra five seconds has been given to drivers to combat this issue, but Norris believes more needs to be done to prevent a nasty accident.

Norris: F1 race starts an accident waiting to happen

Speaking after the Australian GP, the McLaren star and reigning champion did not hold back over what he sees as a dangerous way to start an F1 race.

"It is chaos, and we are going to have a big accident, which is a shame because we are driving and the ones just waiting for something to happen and to go quite horribly wrong and that is not a nice position to be in," he said.

"Depending on what drivers do, you can have closing speeds of 30, 40, 50kph, and when someone hits another driver at that speed, you are going to fly and go over the fence and do a lot of damage to yourself and maybe to others and that is a pretty horrible thing to think about."

There is a slightly wider problem at hand here, however. Ferrari were aware of the race start issues they would face so have designed their car in such a way to combat the change in regulations.

This has brought great results for them so far as Charles Leclerc catapulted up the order and into first place after lights out.

"It's kind of easy for us to reach that optimal window for the start," Leclerc said on the SF-26's ability to launch off the line so quickly.

"I believe it's harder for others to reach that optimum window, so it might be more tricky for them. But if they do everything perfect, I don't expect them to struggle at all."

Safety will of course come first for the FIA, but they will be eager to avoid the wrath of Ferrari should they decide to take further action.

Fred Vasseur's team will no doubt point to the fact they saw the issue and designed around it - so why should they be punished?

Although the Frenchman might have a point - there is sadly little argument against putting the drivers' safety first.

F1 HEADLINES: Lewis Hamilton will hold FIA accountable as new Mercedes evidence emerges

F1 McLaren FIA Lando Norris 2026 regulations Chinese Grand Prix