Fred Vasseur defends Ferrari’s launch advantage: “We built the car to the rules, enough is enough”. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur criticizes recent F1 start procedure changes.

The debate over race starts in Formula 1 continues, with Frederic Vasseur arguing that Ferrari has already been penalized by the recent changes introduced to the procedures.

Ferrari has confirmed its strong advantage at the start of races in this early phase of the season, but Fred Vasseur has expressed frustration over the ongoing complaints from rival teams. In the three races contested so far, including the Sprint event in China, both Ferrari drivers have consistently managed to return to leading positions immediately after the start. This has happened despite the SF-26 being partially affected by the new five-second pre-start rule.

The Ferrari team principal pointed out that he had already raised this issue a year ago. The Scuderia responded accordingly by working on its car development, and now it is unwilling to accept changes that would effectively remove that advantage. However, at the start of the season, discussions focused heavily on safety concerns, and in an effort to assist teams, the five-second pre-start sequence was introduced.

Mercedes has also analyzed Ferrari’s advantage. Toto Wolff emphasized that the smaller turbo size, which helps generate a stronger launch, can also bring certain side effects during the race.

Vasseur closes the discussion on race starts

Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, made it clear that he wants to put an end to the discussion surrounding race starts. The Scuderia has opposed any further changes to the procedure in order to preserve the clear advantage demonstrated in the opening rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season. This stance has drawn criticism from George Russell, who has instead pushed for additional adjustments.

“We have already significantly changed the starting rules with the pre-start. One year ago, I went to the FIA and warned everyone that race starts would become more complicated with the new regulations. I was told to develop the car so that it complies with the regulations, not to change the regulations to suit the car,” Fred Vasseur stated.

“We designed the car in full compliance with the rules, and even the five seconds are already penalizing us. When it’s too much, it’s too much. For me, the issue of race starts is closed,” the Frenchman added.

The grid moves toward the Japanese Grand Prix and the focus will remain on whether the FIA yields to the pressure from Mercedes and Red Bull or maintains the status quo. For now, Ferrari’s scarlet cars remain the benchmark when the red lights go out, and Vasseur intends to keep it that way.