Ferrari Set to Lose Key Edge After F1 2026 Change

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Ferrari is expected to lose one of its key competitive strengths following power unit regulation changes set to be introduced by the FIA at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.

The regulatory adjustments come after discussions between the FIA, Formula One Management, teams, and drivers in response to issues identified during the opening three rounds. The primary objectives are to improve safety, reduce artificially assisted overtaking, and restore a more authentic, limit-driven approach to qualifying laps.

A major focus of the changes is the race start procedure, following several concerning incidents earlier in the season. During the Australian Grand Prix, rapid reactions from Franco Colapinto helped avoid a significant accident when Liam Lawson launched unusually slowly from the grid.

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From Miami onwards, a new system will assist cars that struggle at the start. In such cases, electrical energy from the MGU-K will be deployed earlier to help accelerate the car more effectively, reducing the risk of large speed differentials and potential collisions at the start line.

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes this adjustment could disadvantage Ferrari, which has demonstrated strong electric-assisted starts so far this season, while benefiting teams running Mercedes power units.

"Personally, I think the changes at the starts and how they are going to adjust the energy are going to help Mercedes," Montoya said.

"It removes a disadvantage they had—not just Mercedes as a team, but all the cars using a Mercedes engine."

Montoya pointed out that Mercedes-powered cars have generally struggled off the line in the early races, whereas Ferrari has been able to maximise its initial acceleration more consistently. With the revised system, that gap is expected to narrow significantly.

"If you look at the starts of most Mercedes cars, they were not strong. Red Bull was also not always consistent. This change takes away some of Ferrari’s advantage in the opening phase."

With the new rules coming into force in Miami, the competitive balance between manufacturers could shift, particularly in the critical opening laps. The impact is likely to extend beyond starts, influencing broader race strategies as teams adapt to the revised energy deployment framework.