AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Mercedes charges ahead with F1 2026 race starts, but Ferrari’s dominance reigns supreme in Bahrain

David Castro by David Castro
February 24, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Mercedes charges ahead with F1 2026 race starts, but Ferrari’s dominance reigns supreme in Bahrain

Title: Ferrari's Race Starts Dominate as Mercedes Strives for Improvement Ahead of F1 2026 Season

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, the battle for supremacy is heating up, and as the final Bahrain test wraps up, it’s clear that Ferrari is still the gold standard when it comes to race starts. Mercedes has made commendable strides in refining its launch capabilities, but as Kimi Antonelli points out, the Scuderia remains the benchmark that others aim to reach.

This season, the focus has shifted significantly to the new power units, which have been a hot topic throughout the pre-season as teams grapple with the complexities of the 2026 regulations. Amidst a backdrop of fluctuating compression ratios and anticipated rule changes, Mercedes has been busy addressing weaknesses in its W17 model. However, the raw power and blistering launches of Ferrari’s SF-26 continue to leave rivals in the dust.

During the final test sessions, Motorsport's governing body, the FIA, took proactive measures to enhance the start process, introducing a pre-warning system aimed at reducing chaos at the starting line. Despite these efforts, Ferrari showcased its undeniable prowess, with drivers consistently outperforming their competitors, including Mercedes’ George Russell, who found himself overtaken at the first turn.

While the pace of Ferrari’s launches is impressive, George Russell did manage to hold his ground late in the test, starting from pole position with Lewis Hamilton close behind in P11. Antonelli acknowledged the progress made by Mercedes but emphasized the need for further refinement before the season opener in Melbourne. “The Ferrari looked very strong, the power unit very strong on starts,” he stated, recognizing the formidable challenge ahead.

Mercedes has admitted that race starts have been a weak point, complicated by the intricacies of the new start procedures. Antonelli highlighted the learning curve: “We made a lot of changes, and at the end, the start felt a lot stronger. Obviously, we couldn’t test it properly on the grid. But it’s been a bit of a weak point for us, to be fair, and it’s just very complicated with the procedure.”

Meanwhile, the Ferrari-powered Haas team is also making waves, as both Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman displayed promising launch speeds. Ocon confessed that Haas struggled initially but is now gaining momentum. “Now I think we are in a much better place. I think this test we’ve improved the power unit, the way the boost comes in, etc. So it felt quite nice to get away and off the line,” he said, highlighting the competitive nature of the grid.

The pre-season has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding the new engine formula which omits the MGU-H, a feature that previously mitigated turbo lag and eased starts. This significant change means teams are facing a steeper learning curve to achieve optimal launch configurations.

As teams prepare to head to Melbourne for the season opener, the stakes have never been higher. Will Mercedes close the gap on Ferrari’s blazing starts, or will the Scuderia continue to set the pace in the upcoming F1 2026 season? Fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, eager for the unfolding drama of the championship battle.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates and insights straight from the heart of Formula 1!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-seasonaf-corse-ferrariandrea-kimi-antonelli-3franziska-haasgeorge-russell-2getspeed-mercedesLewis Hamilton
Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Christian Horner blames Helmut Marko for shocking exit from Red Bull: inside the explosive fallout
Motorsports

Christian Horner blames Helmut Marko for shocking exit from Red Bull: inside the explosive fallout

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Carl Harrison
February 24, 2026
David Coulthard shatters overtaking myths: excitement in F1 isn’t just about the passes
Motorsports

David Coulthard shatters overtaking myths: excitement in F1 isn’t just about the passes

David Coulthard Shakes Up F1 Expectations: Overtaking Isn't the Only Thrill! In a bold and provocative statement, former Formula 1...

by Publisher
February 24, 2026
Cadillac’s $1 billion gamble on F1: can they survive the ultimate racing challenge?
Motorsports

Cadillac’s $1 billion gamble on F1: can they survive the ultimate racing challenge?

Cadillac's F1 Ambition: A Jaw-Dropping $1 Billion Spent Before the First Race In an astonishing revelation that has sent shockwaves...

by Simon Monroy
February 24, 2026
Apple takes the wheel: how Formula 1’s groundbreaking partnership will revolutionize US viewership
Motorsports

Apple takes the wheel: how Formula 1’s groundbreaking partnership will revolutionize US viewership

Apple's Game-Changing Move: Formula 1's New Era of Streaming Dominance! In a groundbreaking partnership that could reshape the landscape of...

by Arthur Ling
February 24, 2026

Recent News

Grupo VW tem novo Director de Design

“VW Group has a new Design Director.”

February 24, 2026
Christian Horner blames Helmut Marko for shocking exit from Red Bull: inside the explosive fallout

Christian Horner blames Helmut Marko for shocking exit from Red Bull: inside the explosive fallout

February 24, 2026
David Coulthard shatters overtaking myths: excitement in F1 isn’t just about the passes

David Coulthard shatters overtaking myths: excitement in F1 isn’t just about the passes

February 24, 2026
Cadillac’s $1 billion gamble on F1: can they survive the ultimate racing challenge?

Cadillac’s $1 billion gamble on F1: can they survive the ultimate racing challenge?

February 24, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.