Ferrari-powered cars excel in 2026 F1 starts as new regulations shake up launch performance
Analysis of the first four 2026 F1 races reveals Ferrari-powered cars have mastered the new, unpredictable race starts best, gaining a combined 25 spots on Lap 1. In contrast, works teams from Mercedes and Red Bull are losing significant ground off the line, turning launch performance into a critical new battleground.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations have turned the race start into a critical and unpredictable phase, with Ferrari-powered cars emerging as the clear early leaders in launch performance. Analysis of the first four race weekends shows Ferrari-engined cars have gained a combined 25 positions on the opening lap, while rivals like Red Bull and Audi have struggled significantly off the line.
Why it matters:
The new power units, which deliver more hybrid power but lack the MGU-H, have made power delivery inconsistent at the start. This unpredictability means every meter gained to the first corner now has an outsized impact on race outcome, turning launch performance into a key competitive differentiator that can define entire weekends.
The details:
- Engine Manufacturer Standings: Ferrari leads all power unit suppliers with a net gain of 25 positions on Lap 1. Aston Martin is second with +14, though this is inflated by their frequent rear-grid starts.
- Team Performance: Despite Ferrari's engine advantage, the Williams team (Mercedes-powered) leads individually with 18 positions gained, capitalizing on starting near the back. The Ferrari works team is a close second with +17, a more impressive feat given they typically start in the top five where gaining spots is harder.
- Works Team Struggles: The Mercedes and Red Bull works teams are facing clear challenges. Mercedes has lost 22 positions on Lap 1, while both Red Bull drivers (Verstappen and Hadjar) have each lost 11 places. This indicates issues beyond the engine, pointing to start procedure execution and setup.
- Driver Leaderboard: Carlos Sainz is the season's "launch king" with 12 positions gained (avg. 3 per race). He is followed by Fernando Alonso (+10), Charles Leclerc (+9), and Lewis Hamilton (+8). At the opposite end, Nico Hulkenberg has lost 21 places in just three starts.
What's next:
The data reveals that mastering the new start procedure is a complex blend of engine mapping, clutch operation, and team execution. While Ferrari appears to have the best initial package, the large variance between teams using the same engine—like the Haas and Cadillac teams struggling compared to the works Ferrari—shows significant performance can be unlocked through procedure refinement. Teams like Mercedes and Red Bull will be under intense pressure to diagnose and solve their launch woes quickly, as losing multiple positions at every start is a deficit too large to consistently overcome in the new regulatory era.