Ferrari rivals probe start-line advantage with FIA: major upgrades planned for new engine. Ferrari’s explosive starts under scrutiny as new power unit prepares key modifications.

Ferrari’s rapid starts and the revolutionary new power unit

Ferrari has shown unprecedented readiness off the line, partly due to a smaller turbo compared to Mercedes. The Scuderia is now developing a new engine for the SF-26, which promises to be revolutionary for several reasons, including major modifications to a key component.

Rival scrutiny and ongoing development

There is significant discussion around the differences between Ferrari’s power unit and Mercedes’. At Maranello, engineers are working not only to close the power gap but also to develop the SF-26 across all areas. The April filming day was aimed at testing energy delivery while trialing the first major update package. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s rivals are investigating the Scuderia’s start-line advantage, submitting requests to the FIA, while new details about the power unit running on the test bench have emerged.

Start-line advantage and turbo design

Ferrari’s quick starts have been closely linked to its smaller turbo relative to Mercedes. This component is highly responsive, allowing the SF-26 to accelerate rapidly out of corners. According to the Italian website AutoRacer.it, the Ferrari turbo is only about 10% smaller than Mercedes’, but this reduces turbine inertia. In heavy car conditions with full fuel, the smaller turbo reaches its optimal speed faster, enabling the internal combustion engine to deliver torque more quickly. However, Ferrari’s start-line advantage isn’t due solely to this factor, and rivals are trying to understand it fully, submitting questions to the FIA.

Wastegate and transient power management

The difference is most pronounced in the opening laps, where the wastegate valve plays a critical role. This component has a protective function but can also modulate boost pressure. When the throttle opens, briefly keeping it closed increases pressure, while subsequent opening stabilizes turbine speed and avoids spikes. This allows power to be both responsive and manageable. Ferrari prioritized this aspect, and the combination of responsive turbo design, precise exhaust gas management, and integrated engine mapping maximizes torque during transitional phases.

Mercedes’ approach versus Ferrari

Mercedes, on the other hand, has focused on overall power unit efficiency, using a larger turbo and refined energy management to optimize performance over longer distances. The German team remains ahead in the electrical recovery aspects. Meanwhile, Maranello is already testing a completely new thermal architecture on the bench, with the new engine potentially debuting mid-season. Much will depend on factory development and the ADUO. For this new power unit, Ferrari plans to implement a larger turbo to match Mercedes’ approach, whereas the current provisional unit uses a smaller turbo, which, like all F1 technical choices, has both advantages and trade-offs.