2026 F1 Race Starts: Who's Charging and Who's Falling Back?
The 2026 F1 season has seen some intriguing starts, with new regulations shaking up the grid. Ferrari and Williams are making impressive gains, while Audi and Red Bull struggle off the line.
As the 2026 F1 season unfolds, the new race start regulations have turned the initial seconds of each Grand Prix into a fascinating spectacle. After the first four rounds in Australia, China, Japan, and Miami, some teams and drivers have excelled, while others have faltered.
What's Changed for 2026?
The new regulations for 2026 have altered how drivers approach the starting grid. The absence of the MGU-H—a component that used to spin the turbo quickly—has introduced a new challenge: turbo lag. Drivers now rely solely on exhaust gases to spin their turbochargers, meaning they must carefully manage engine revs to ensure a smooth getaway. This has added a layer of complexity, requiring drivers to balance revving the engine to speed up the turbo while coordinating clutch release for an optimal start.
Winners at the Start
Among the teams, Williams and Ferrari have been the most successful in gaining positions on the first lap, with Williams leading by 22 spots and Ferrari closely following with 21. Charles Leclerc has personally climbed 12 spots, while teammates Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have each moved up 11. Ferrari's choice to use a smaller turbocharger for quicker spool-up is paying dividends, sparking conversations in the paddock about their strategic decisions.
Williams, despite an underperforming car, has managed to start further back, providing opportunities to move up early in the race. Aston Martin is also leveraging their drivers' experience to navigate the chaotic first laps effectively, securing the third-best total in positions gained.
Struggling Starters
Contrast this with Audi, Red Bull, and Mercedes, who have struggled significantly. Audi has dropped 34 places, largely due to Nico Hulkenberg's mishaps, including a costly front wing issue in Miami. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's early spin has contributed to Red Bull's 30 lost places, and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli has consistently lost ground, the only driver to do so in every race thus far.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged the team's difficulties, noting the need to improve their starting tools, such as clutch and grip estimates, to keep pace with rivals. With the Canadian Grand Prix on the horizon, expect teams to refine their strategies as they aim to conquer this pivotal aspect of the race.
In this evolving landscape, quick starts are proving crucial, and every team will be eager to optimize their performance as the season progresses.