The start issue
In these first months of the 2026 season, which have been characterized by few races and many controversies, one of the most discussed topics has been starts. Since the pre-season tests, it has been seen how the new power units with the almost equal split between thermal and electric components have enormously complicated life for many teams in the start phase. In the Australian GP, a major accident on the grid was narrowly avoided when Liam Lawson’s car practically stopped on its grid spot and was missed by just a few centimeters by Franco Colapinto’s Alpine; in almost all races teams like Mercedes and Red Bull have struggled a lot at the start, with their respective drivers losing several positions at the start. Conversely, Ferrari has proven to be clearly the best car and the most effective at the moment the lights go out.
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However, there is much annoyance in Maranello because before the championship the FIA unilaterally changed the starting procedure: for safety reasons, five additional seconds of pre-start were introduced to allow all teams to sufficiently charge their turbo. Despite these measures, Ferrari remained the most effective car in this situation, but it is undeniable that the federation’s intervention helped the main rivals of the Reds to limit their problems in the race start phase. Fred Vasseur has complained since this change was approved about the disadvantage indirectly imposed on Ferrari, which had designed its power unit precisely to maximize starts. Now, in an exclusive interview given to the British site The Race, Vasseur returned to the topic, pointing the finger at the FIA and – above all – at the other teams.
FIA injustice and “unfair” teams
“The dilemma was: ‘do we want to gain a tenth of a second [on lap time] or lose five positions at the start?’ – said Vasseur – if you ask the engineers, they will answer you: ‘Let’s make a good start’”. Ferrari’s plan was however ruined by safety complaints brought forward by some teams, Mercedes and McLaren above all. Now Vasseur has taken off more than a few stones from his shoes: “Imagine without the blue light, some cars would still be on the grid in China – the French manager commented ironically – but safety issues can be raised, it is the FIA’s right to intervene and I simply have to accept it. But in the end I think it is also a bit unfair to us“.
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“A year ago I turned to the FIA and we talked about it – revealed Vasseur – we talked about it in the SAC (Sporting Advisory Committee), we talked about it in the PUAC (Power Unit Advisory Committee). And I really appreciated the FIA’s response, which is that you have to design the car according to the regulations, not the other way around. I think it’s a great approach. So, then having half or 40% of the grid complaining, saying it is extremely dangerous and so on…Politically it was a clever move, but not very fair“. Finally, Ferrari’s team principal dismissed those who criticize him for not opposing this change: “It was a safety issue. I don’t have to accept it – Vasseur concluded – it was a decision based on safety reasons. It’s up to them to decide. Even if everyone were against it, they can still decide“.
