F1 | McLaren pushes for rule changes: Ferrari risks losing its advantage at the start
Andrea Stella is calling for regulatory adjustments to Formula 1 start procedures, as McLaren questions a potential advantage shown by Ferrari during launch simulations in Bahrain.
Pre-season testing in Bahrain has concluded, and teams have already begun to reveal part of the competitive picture ahead of the new Formula 1 season. Ferrari appeared to demonstrate particularly strong performance off the line during start simulations, but McLaren is now pushing for changes to this procedure. Andrea Stella outlined the British team’s position, indirectly challenging what could represent a significant advantage for the Scuderia.
The topic of race starts has been widely discussed in recent days. Under the current procedure, drivers are required to hold high engine revs for an extended period before the lights go out, which for some creates the risk of stalling on the grid. Ferrari had already hinted at this issue last year, but the debate has resurfaced with renewed intensity during the Bahrain test.
If the FIA were to classify this “issue” as a safety concern, any potential veto from Ferrari against a regulatory modification would no longer hold weight.
McLaren’s view on the start issue
From the start simulations observed in Bahrain, the strength of the Ferrari power unit appears evident, and McLaren may be positioning itself against this specific advantage. Andrea Stella spoke to Sky Sport F1, highlighting several areas where intervention could be appropriate, with race starts being one of the key topics.
“My view is that there is room to make small adjustments on very specific topics, without revising the philosophy and the general approach of the regulations, including the power unit,” underlined the Team Principal of the British outfit. “However, there are aspects where we must intervene immediately: the starts and the management of recovered energy without the driver having to lift off the throttle, an unnatural and unpredictable action for those following, and the need to encourage overtaking.”
Andrea Stella emphasised that McLaren will explore alternative configurations that could lead to suggestions for the FIA regarding regulatory refinements. Clearly, if the start procedure were to become a safety issue for Ferrari, there would be little room for resistance. The apparent advantage seen in the Bahrain simulations could be neutralised, and the hours invested in optimising this specific area would effectively be lost.
This brewing political battle highlights the intense gamesmanship that defines the start of a new F1 era. While Ferrari has clearly found a technical “sweet spot” regarding launches, McLaren’s push for intervention shows that the race for the 2026 title is being fought just as hard in the FIA briefing rooms as it is on the asphalt of Sakhir.
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