Hamilton’s 22‑second Ferrari rev sparks fresh start‑row debate
Lewis Hamilton’s 22‑second rev in Bahrain practice sparked speculation that Ferrari’s smaller turbo gives it a launch edge under the 2026 hybrid rules, raising risk and prompting an FIA review.
In Bahrain practice, Lewis Hamilton held his Ferrari’s revs for a full 22 seconds, sparking talk that the Scuderia may have a hidden launch advantage under the new 2026 hybrid rules. The 2026 formula eliminates the MGU‑H, extending the launch window for most teams, while Ferrari’s smaller turbo lets it run higher first‑gear ratios and shorten rev time.
Why it matters:
- Longer launch windows without the MGU‑H make a quick start a bigger differentiator, especially on circuits where the first lap decides the race.
- Ferrari’s ability to start faster could reshape the competitive balance in 2026.
- Extended rev periods raise the risk of wheel‑spin and anti‑stall incidents, heightening safety concerns.
The details:
- The 2026 power unit splits output 50/50 between electric and combustion and removes the MGU‑H that had smoothed turbo lag.
- Ferrari’s smaller turbo lets it use higher first‑gear ratios, shortening the rev time needed for an optimal launch.
- Sam Collins filmed Hamilton’s 22‑second rev on the SF‑26; Hamilton stopped noticeably closer to the camera than other drivers.
- The FIA ran simulations from the Bahrain test and will review start‑light sequencing at the next Commission meeting.
What's next:
The FIA will discuss adding a minimum rev‑time or tweaking the light sequence at the upcoming Commission meeting. Teams must submit launch data, and drivers warn that uneven starts could turn the first lap into a safety hotspot on low‑downforce circuits slated for 2026.