Ferrari team principal expresses bewilderment over sudden changes to Formula 1 starting procedures for the 2026 season

Ferrari's Fred Vasseur questions the FIA's decision to add five seconds to F1 starts, calling it a late change to a known 2026 technical challenge.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 5:50 AM EST

The Technical Shift and Turbo Lag Challenges

The 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations have introduced a significant shift in power unit architecture, most notably the removal of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat). Previously, this component was used to spool up the turbocharger at low revolutions, effectively eliminating turbo lag. Without it, engines now require more time to reach the necessary turbine speed to generate the torque required for a prompt race start. This mechanical reality has forced teams to reconsider their engine designs and starting strategies.

Ferrari’s Strategic Design Choices

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur revealed that the Scuderia anticipated these challenges from the outset of the regulation's development. To mitigate turbo lag, Ferrari is believed to have opted for a smaller turbocharger with lower turbine inertia. This design choice was a calculated compromise intended to ensure clean getaways under the assumption that the FIA would maintain standard starting procedures. Vasseur noted that "drivability" was a key pillar of their 2026 engine architecture, alongside pure power.

The FIA’s Five Second Rule Intervention

Following pre-season testing in Bahrain, the FIA implemented a new safety protocol adding an extra five seconds between the final car reaching its grid slot and the ignition of the start lights. This preparation phase is intended to allow all cars sufficient time to spool their turbos, preventing stalled cars or slow starts that could lead to rear-end collisions. While the FIA cites safety as the primary motivator, the move has been met with skepticism from those who believe it levels the playing field for teams with less efficient turbo designs.