Mercedes could disrupt Ferrari’s F1 campaign by influencing FIA race start rules – Juan Pablo Montoya. Mercedes accused of targeting Ferrari via FIA race start discussions, says Montoya.

Mercedes eye Ferrari’s race start advantage as Montoya highlights growing FIA battle

Despite Mercedes establishing a clear early lead in the 2026 Formula 1 season, former driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that the German team could now focus on neutralizing one of Ferrari’s few remaining competitive strengths. While Ferrari have struggled to match Mercedes across several performance areas, their superior race starts have emerged as a key advantage—one that could now come under scrutiny at FIA level.

Mercedes have delivered a dominant opening to the season, securing maximum results across the first two race weekends, including Sprint events. George Russell claimed victory at the Australian Grand Prix and followed it up with another strong performance in the Chinese Sprint race, while Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli celebrated his maiden Formula 1 victory in Shanghai. This consistent success has placed Mercedes firmly at the top of both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings.

However, even with such a commanding start, Ferrari have shown flashes of competitiveness, particularly during race launches. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have repeatedly demonstrated strong getaway performance, often gaining positions off the line thanks to a technical advantage linked to their power unit configuration.

Ferrari’s race start edge under the spotlight

One of Ferrari’s standout strengths in the early phase of the 2026 season has been their exceptional race starts. This advantage is widely understood to be connected to the characteristics of their turbo system, which appears to deliver more immediate power response compared to rival designs. As a result, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have been able to accelerate more effectively when the lights go out, gaining crucial track position in the opening moments of races.

In modern Formula 1, where overtaking can often be limited by track layout and aerodynamic turbulence, gaining places at the start can significantly influence race outcomes. Ferrari’s ability to consistently execute strong launches has therefore become a valuable asset in their battle against faster overall packages like the one of Mercedes.

However, this advantage has not gone unnoticed by rival teams. As is often the case in Formula 1, any perceived competitive edge quickly becomes the subject of scrutiny, especially when it has the potential to impact championship standings.

Montoya points to Mercedes lobbying efforts

Juan Pablo Montoya has indicated that Mercedes could attempt to address their disadvantage not only through technical development but also by raising concerns with the FIA regarding race start procedures. He suggested that teams typically look for ways to eliminate areas where they are at a disadvantage, particularly when rivals gain a noticeable benefit.

According to Montoya’s analysis, Mercedes have already been active in questioning aspects of the current start system, particularly in relation to safety considerations. He implied that such concerns are often part of a broader strategic approach, where teams seek regulatory clarification or intervention that could reduce a competitor’s advantage.

Montoya also noted that similar positions have been echoed by other figures within the paddock, highlighting how divided opinions can be when technical or procedural advantages come into play. In contrast, Ferrari are understood to be satisfied with the current regulations governing race starts, as these align well with the strengths of their car.

This dynamic reflects a familiar pattern in Formula 1, where off-track discussions and regulatory debates can play a crucial role in shaping on-track performance. The interaction between teams and the FIA is often as strategic as the engineering work carried out in the factories.

Ferrari defend their advantage amid growing pressure

While Mercedes and potentially other teams continue to evaluate the situation, Ferrari are expected to defend their interpretation of the regulations. From their perspective, their strong starts are the result of effective engineering and optimization within the existing rule framework, rather than any regulatory loophole.

For drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, maintaining this advantage could be essential in their efforts to remain competitive against a Mercedes package that currently appears superior in overall race pace and efficiency. Losing this edge would remove one of the few areas where Ferrari can consistently challenge their main rivals.

At the same time, Ferrari’s technical team will likely continue refining their systems to ensure that their performance remains within regulatory limits while maximizing effectiveness. This includes ongoing work on power delivery, traction control strategies, and energy deployment during the critical launch phase.

Championship battle shaping up despite early gap

After the opening rounds of the season, the Italian side find themselves trailing Mercedes in the constructors’ championship standings, with a gap of over 30 points already established. Mercedes’ early dominance has created a significant challenge for the Italian team, particularly given the consistency shown by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Nevertheless, there remains a sense of cautious optimism within Ferrari. The team is continuing to develop upgrades aimed at improving both aerodynamic performance and overall efficiency, which could help reduce the gap as the season progresses. With a long calendar ahead, opportunities to recover lost ground still exist.

However, not all internal assessments are entirely positive. Some voices within the Maranello operation are believed to have expressed concerns after analyzing early-season data, suggesting that Mercedes’ advantage may be more substantial than initially anticipated. This has led to a more realistic evaluation of Ferrari’s chances in the short term.

Even so, Formula 1 seasons are rarely decided in the opening races. Development pace, reliability, and strategic execution can all shift the competitive order over time. If Ferrari can maintain their strengths—like their race start performance—while improving weaker areas, they could still re-enter the title fight.

Regulation battles could shape the season

The situation highlighted by Juan Pablo Montoya underlines how regulatory discussions can influence the trajectory of a Formula 1 season. Beyond pure performance, teams must also navigate political and technical debates that can alter competitive dynamics.

If the German side succeed in prompting a review of race start procedures, the impact could extend beyond Ferrari, potentially affecting multiple teams. Conversely, if Ferrari manage to retain their advantage, it could continue to provide a crucial tool in their efforts to challenge for podiums and victories.

The 2026 championship battle may not be decided solely on track. The interplay between innovation, regulation, and strategic lobbying could prove just as decisive as outright speed. For Ferrari, protecting their strengths while closing the performance gap will be key to keeping their title ambitions alive.