Ferrari's early-season rocket starts, a significant advantage for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, have largely disappeared. The team's smaller turbo concept allowed for quick spool-up off the line, but rival teams complained about their own difficulties. The FIA responded by extending the pre-lights sequence, a move Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur deemed "politically well played but not very fair." This change immediately chipped away at Ferrari's edge.
Compounding the issue, competitors have dramatically improved their own getaways. McLaren, strong on starts all year despite early-season setbacks, now consistently launches well. Mercedes, which struggled initially, made targeted software and clutch paddle adjustments, showing major gains in Canada. Data confirms the shift: Ferrari's cumulative positions gained off the line plummeted from seven in Australia to just one or two by the Canadian Grand Prix, where a Ferrari failed to reach Turn 1 in the top three for the first time. Ferrari can no longer rely on gaining easy track position, a critical blow as the championship tightens.
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