Hamilton: Ferrari's start advantage confidence boost

Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari's early-season edge off the line is gone for good. Fresh FIA rule changes have neutralized the Scuderia's unique launch philosophy, and the seven-time champion now expects the entire grid to fire off the blocks at a similar pace.

Why it matters:

Ferrari carved out an advantage by running a smaller turbocharger that traded peak power for faster response, letting its cars shoot forward while rivals were still building revs. New regulations have now handed every driver more time to hit the sweet spot before the lights go out, effectively erasing a strategic differentiator just when track position means everything.

The details:

• The FIA introduced a blue pre-start light sequence this season, adding a buffer that lets teams stabilize engine temps and revs before the race officially begins.
• From Miami onward, the governing body mandated a "low power start detection" system to prevent the stalling issues seen in early rounds, further tightening launch behavior across the grid.
• Hamilton confirmed the playing field has flattened: Ferrari had tailored its package around quick getaways, but the extra preparation time means rivals now match their starts.
• That edge had already been slipping as Mercedes and others refined their own clutch and power unit strategies.

What's next:

The timing is brutal. Hamilton heads into Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix needing to make up places on a circuit where overtaking is virtually impossible and a strong launch was one of the few realistic ways to gain ground. Starting behind the quickest cars, he conceded that opportunities will be scarce around the Principality's narrow streets, though he insists he isn't writing off his chances entirely. With degradation low and strategy options thin, track position will likely prove decisive from lights to flag.