Charles Leclerc has emerged as the most effective starter of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far, leading the field for positions gained on the opening lap across the first four Grands Prix of the year.
After the races in Australia, China, Japan and Miami, the Ferrari driver sits at the top of this particular ranking with 12 positions gained on lap 1, underlining how sharp and aggressive he has been in the early stages of races.
Starts have always been a crucial part of Formula 1, but in a season where track position remains extremely valuable, gaining places immediately after lights out can completely change a driver’s race. For Ferrari, this has become one of Charles Leclerc’s strongest weapons in the opening part of the championship.
Charles Leclerc sets the benchmark on lap 1
According to the ranking, the Monegasque leads the way with 12 positions gained on the first lap. That puts him just ahead of his former Maranello teammate Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon, who have both gained 11 positions so far this season.
Esteban Ocon follows with 10 positions gained, while Lewis Hamilton completes the top five with 9 positions gained on lap 1.
The numbers show how important race starts and opening-lap awareness have been in the early part of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign. Drivers who can react quickly, read the chaos around them and choose the right line into the first corners can often recover from difficult qualifying sessions or put themselves in a much stronger strategic position.
Ferrari strength in the opening laps
For Ferrari, the statistic is especially interesting because both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton appear inside the top five. While the SF-26 has faced challenges in terms of overall performance and consistency, the two Ferrari drivers have repeatedly managed to make progress when the race begins.
Charles Leclerc’s position at the top of the ranking also confirms his ability to attack without losing control in the most delicate moments of a Grand Prix. The opening lap is often where the biggest risks are taken, with cold tyres, heavy fuel loads and cars running close together through the first corners.
Being able to gain positions in that phase requires confidence, timing and excellent racecraft. Charles Leclerc has shown all three qualities during the first four rounds of the season.
Williams also impresses with Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon
Another key detail from the ranking is the strong presence of Williams. Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon are both tied on 11 positions gained, showing that the Grove-based team has been very effective in race starts and opening-lap situations.
This suggests that Williams has not only improved its race execution, but also that both drivers have been able to take advantage of opportunities when the field is still compressed. For Carlos Sainz, this statistic is another sign of his experience and ability to read races quickly. For Alexander Albon, it reinforces his reputation as one of the most opportunistic and intelligent racers on the grid.
Why lap 1 gains matter in F1
Gaining positions on lap 1 does not always guarantee a strong final result, but it can have a major impact on race strategy. A driver who moves forward early can protect tyres better, avoid traffic and reduce the risk of being stuck behind slower cars.
In modern Formula 1, where overtaking can still be difficult depending on the circuit, the first lap remains one of the best opportunities to make immediate progress.
That is why Charles Leclerc’s lead in this ranking is significant. It shows that even when Ferrari does not always start from the ideal position, the Monegasque driver has been able to create opportunities at the beginning of races.
After four rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc is not only showing strong pace, but also proving to be the most effective driver on the grid when it comes to gaining positions on lap 1.
Leave a Reply