Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has hit back at calls to further modify Formula 1’s race start procedure, insisting the sport should stop tinkering with the rules after changes introduced this season.
The Debate
- Ferrari’s lightning starts have seen Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton jump from the second row to lead in Australia and China.
- George Russell accused Ferrari of being “selfish” for blocking further tweaks, warning of potential crashes after drivers struggled with turbo lag.
- The FIA already introduced a five-second flashing blue light sequence to help drivers at the back manage their launches.
Vasseur’s Response
- “We already massively changed the rules of the start… enough is enough,” Vasseur said.
- He argued Ferrari designed their car to fit regulations and shouldn’t be penalized for doing so.
- “The reply was clear: you have to design the car to fit the regulations, not change the regulations to fit with the car.”
Mercedes Advantage
- Despite Ferrari’s strong starts, Mercedes have won both opening races:
- Russell in Melbourne.
- Kimi Antonelli claiming his first F1 win in Shanghai.
- Mercedes’ superior engine power remains decisive, especially on straights where they gain half a second per lap.
What’s Next
- Round 3: Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka (27–29 March).
- Then a five-week break before Miami, following cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
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