In a bold stand against further changes to the starting procedure in Formula 1, Ferrari has made it clear that enough is enough. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has firmly stated that the Scuderia believes it has already made sufficient concessions regarding race starts, particularly in light of recent criticisms from George Russell. The Mercedes driver has accused Ferrari of obstructing potential adjustments to the rules, sparking a heated debate within the paddock.
The spotlight has been firmly on Ferrari during the start of the 2026 season, with standout performances from Charles Leclerc in Australia and Lewis Hamilton in China, both of whom seized the lead in the crucial opening moments of their races. This season has seen the introduction of new regulatory changes, particularly concerning power units, which have complicated race starts and led to the implementation of a mandatory five-second pre-start procedure.
Russell’s call for further modifications comes after noticeable disparities in performance among the cars on the grid. He suggested that Ferrari’s resistance to change is “selfish,” a claim that Vasseur categorically disputes. The Ferrari chief insists that the team has already adapted significantly to the current regulations and sees no justification for additional revisions.
Vasseur emphasized that Ferrari had previously warned about the challenges posed by the new system, reiterating that teams should tailor their cars to comply with the regulations rather than expect the rules to bend in their favor. He candidly acknowledged that while some of the recent changes have not played to Ferrari’s strengths, the team has managed to navigate the complexities effectively.
In a broader context, Ferrari has also been one of the teams advocating for adjustments to how power units are tested, particularly amid suspicions that Mercedes may have found loopholes within the regulations. Starting in June, the testing of engines will occur under varied thermal conditions, aimed at standardizing performance assessments across the board.
Vasseur, speaking to Sky Sports F1, expressed his thoughts on the matter: “We have already changed quite a bit regarding the starting rules with this five-second story. A year ago, I went to the FIA to raise concerns about the procedure, and they clearly told us we needed to adapt the car to the regulations, not the regulations to the car. We did that, even knowing some changes did not benefit us. But there comes a point when it is enough.”
Highlighting the need for a holistic view on performance, he added, “I don’t believe that the new rule on compression ratio will be decisive. Development opportunities may help us close the gap, but it is not just about the engine. There is much to consider in energy management, the chassis… it would be a mistake to focus solely on one parameter.”
As Ferrari stands its ground, the team is set to navigate the challenges ahead, with eyes firmly fixed on both performance and compliance in the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1.
