Ferrari's start advantage persists despite FIA's new blue light procedure
The FIA's new flashing blue light start procedure, designed to improve safety with 2026's more complex engines, hasn't curbed Ferrari's apparent launch advantage. Lewis Hamilton demonstrated this in testing by blasting from fifth to first, underscoring a potential early-race edge for the Scuderia as the new season approaches.
Ferrari's strong launch performance, highlighted by Lewis Hamilton's surge from fifth to first in practice, appears undiminished by the FIA's new pre-start warning system of flashing blue lights. The procedure was introduced to mitigate potential chaos caused by the more complex 2026 power units, but early testing suggests it hasn't leveled the playing field at the start.
Why it matters:
The start is one of the most critical and chaotic moments in a Grand Prix. With the new 2026 engine regulations removing the MGU-H—which previously masked turbo lag—teams face a new challenge getting their cars off the line cleanly. The FIA's intervention aims to ensure safety, but if one team masters the procedure significantly better than others, it could create a decisive competitive advantage at the beginning of every race.
The Details:
- The FIA trialed a new start procedure in Bahrain testing, using flashing blue lights to alert drivers that the launch sequence is imminent, giving them more time to prepare their cars.
- This change was prompted by observed struggles during testing practice starts, a direct consequence of the removal of the MGU-H from the 2026 power units.
- Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff endorsed the change, stating it was a "good solution to make sure that there is not carnage on the start."
- Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur gave a mixed response, agreeing on safety but noting the issue was raised a year ago and teams had to design engines around the original, trickier procedure. He quipped that unconvinced drivers could "always start from the pit lane."
- Despite the new lights, Ferrari-powered cars showed impressive launch capability. Lewis Hamilton, in the Ferrari, executed a notable practice start, storming from fifth to first by passing four cars before Turn 1.
What's next:
The true test will come at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the first competitive start of the 2026 season. All teams will be analyzing the data from testing to optimize their launch procedures. While the blue lights are now a fixed part of the start sequence, the focus shifts to which teams can most effectively and reliably harness their power unit's potential in those critical few seconds, potentially handing an early-race advantage to those like Ferrari who have shown early promise.