Ferrari's strong starts face new challenge from Miami GP rule change

A new F1 power unit rule change, effective from this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, is designed to improve safety at race starts by assisting slow-moving cars. According to former driver Juan Pablo Montoya, this adjustment will specifically curb one of Ferrari's key strengths this season—its explosive launch off the line—while benefiting Mercedes-powered teams that have struggled with getaways.

Why it matters:

Race starts are a critical, high-risk moment where positions are often won or lost. Ferrari has consistently gained an advantage here in 2026, making this rule change a direct hit to a proven competitive edge. For Mercedes and its customer teams, it could erase a persistent weakness, potentially tightening the field at the beginning of races and altering early-race strategies.

The details:

• The regulatory tweak introduces a system that provides a 'push' to cars having difficulty launching at the start. If a car is too slow off the line, electrical energy from the MGU-K will be released early to help it build speed faster.
• The primary goal is safety, aiming to prevent dangerous incidents like the near-miss at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix involving Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto.
• Juan Pablo Montoya analyzed the impact, stating the change "removes a disadvantage they had — and not just Mercedes as a team, but all the cars with a Mercedes engine."
• He noted that Mercedes and Red Bull have had inconsistent or slow starts, while Ferrari has excelled. The new rule "takes away a bit of the advantage from Ferrari in the opening stages."
• The changes also aim to make overtaking less artificial and allow drivers to push fully on qualifying laps, though the start procedure is the most immediate and visible alteration.

What's next:

The Miami Grand Prix will serve as the first real-world test of this new system. All eyes will be on the starting grid to see if the safety objective is met and to measure the tangible impact on team performance.

• Ferrari will need to adapt its strategy, as a key avenue for gaining positions at lights-out may be neutralized.
• Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Aston Martin—all using Mercedes power units—could find themselves in stronger positions from the very first corner, potentially changing the dynamics of the opening lap.
• The long-term effect could lead teams to re-prioritize other areas of car development if the start procedure becomes more homogenized.