Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur believes we have reached the point where “enough is enough” regarding changes to F1’s race start procedure.
The Italian team’s lightning starts to the race have been a hallmark of the first two weeks of the sport’s new rules era, with Charles Leclerc leading the way in Australia and Lewis Hamilton doing the same in China from the second row of the grid.
A five-second “pre-start” procedure was introduced ahead of the season opener this year after changes to F1’s power unit regulations made exiting the line more complicated.
However, after wildly inconsistent starts for cars in the Melbourne field, Russell suggested further adjustments were needed to the rules and suggested Ferrari was being “selfish” by blocking further changes.
After Sunday’s race, in which Hamilton moved from third to first at turn one ahead of a front-row Mercedes, Vasseur said he felt Ferrari had already compromised enough in that area.
“We have already significantly changed the rules for the start with the five-second story,” said the Ferrari team principal.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
George Russell says drivers will have to work around race start procedures as some teams resist changes
“A year ago, I went to the FIA, and during the start procedure I raised my hand and said, ‘Guys, it’s going to be difficult.’ The answer was clear: you have to design the car to the regulations, you don’t have to change the regulations to suit the car.”
“We designed the car to the regulations and the five-second changes and the blue light talk didn’t help at all, but I think at a certain stage it’s enough.”
When asked if the case had been resolved, he replied, “In my opinion, yes.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari rocket start at the start of the Australian Grand Prix
Vasseur sees potential for engine upgrades, but says Ferrari “needs to work everywhere”
Ferrari’s strong starts have attracted the attention of rivals, but the Scuderia was among the teams that called for changes to the test over engine compression ratio limits, feeling that pre-season favorites and early championship leaders Mercedes had taken advantage of a loophole in the regulations.
The test rule changes will come into effect from June 1, the fifth race of the season following the cancellation of April’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, and will mean engines will be tested in both hot and cold conditions.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Watch the moment Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s wheels come together during a scrap at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Vasseur downplayed the impact of the changes, but suggested Ferrari intends to benefit from new rules introduced in 2026 regarding in-season upgrades to power units.
The regulations provide for three periods of Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) during the season, with rivals judged to be at least two percentage points behind the manufacturer with the best internal combustion engine to be given development opportunities this year and next.
The first ADUO will take place after the sixth game of the season.
“I’m not convinced that the new compression ratio rules will be a game-changer,” Vasseur said.
“Rather than introducing ADUO at some stage, the introduction of ADUO will be an opportunity for us to close that gap, but again, it’s not just about pure performance.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Kimi Antonelli was left speechless after winning his first Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton congratulated him after finishing third
“I think we are doing a lot in terms of energy management and chassis, but it would be a mistake for us to focus on just one parameter.”
On how he feels Ferrari is lagging behind Mercedes, who finished one-two in the first two Grands Prix of the season, Vasseur said:
“In Melbourne we were eight tenths off, in China we were six tenths on Friday and four tenths on Saturday, so we are improving.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
2026 Chinese Grand Prix Highlights
“We are gradually understanding the situation and closing the gap, but we still have a long way to go. It’s not just an engine issue. We have to work on everything.”
“We need to improve the chassis and tires as always. The race has not changed. All elements of performance are still on the table and we don’t need to focus on just one parameter, but it is a challenge.”
F1 will next head to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix from March 27-29, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
