How Ferrari's early start advantage has evaporated in 2026

Ferrari's explosive starts were a standout weapon early in the 2026 season, but that edge appears to have been wiped out. The Scuderia's smaller turbo design allowed Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to rocket off the line, gaining multiple positions at the first corner. However, safety complaints from rival teams led to an FIA procedural change—extending the pre-lights period—which helped those struggling with getaways. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur called the move "politically well played but not very fair."

Why it matters:

For a team aiming to challenge for the championship, losing a clear competitive advantage is a significant setback. With Ferrari's qualifying pace not always matching the frontrunners, those early gains were vital. Now, as the field converges, the Scuderia must find other ways to regain an edge.

The details:

• Data trend: Ferrari's net positions gained at Turn 1 have fallen steadily:
  • Australia GP: +7 (Leclerc 4th→1st, Hamilton 7th→3rd)
  • China GP: +4 (Leclerc 4th→2nd, Hamilton 3rd→1st)
  • Japan GP: +3
  • Miami GP: +2 (grand prix)
  • Canada GP: +2 (grand prix, Leclerc 8th→7th, Hamilton 5th→4th)
• Not a Ferrari decline: The advantage has been eroded because rivals improved their procedures, not because Ferrari got worse.
• McLaren: Oscar Piastri noted their starts have been "better than Ferrari's all year," but early-season unreliability (Piastri missed Australia, both cars missed China) masked the comparison.
• Red Bull: Max Verstappen's early dramas have been resolved.
• Mercedes: In Canada, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell had much-improved getaways. Antonelli modified his clutch paddle finger holes for better feel, a change that contributed to Mercedes holding the lead into Turn 1 for the first time this season.

What's next:

Heading into Monaco, where track position is everything, Ferrari can no longer rely on launch heroics. The playing field has leveled, and the team must now focus on maximizing qualifying pace and race strategy to stay in the title fight.

• Vasseur's frustration aside, the FIA's move has effectively neutralized a unique technical advantage, proving that in F1, no edge lasts forever without adaptation.