FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has finally addressed the intense debates surrounding the updated start procedures and the initial launch advantage once held by Ferrari. This technical saga became a major talking point in the Formula 1 paddock following crucial rule adjustments introduced by the governing body to safeguard drivers.
The controversy stemmed from the characteristics of the latest power units, which lack the MGU-H component that previously controlled turbo rotational speeds. The absence of this element brought back turbo-lag, causing a noticeable delay in engine response when the starting lights go out and creating severe grid launch challenges for several manufacturers.
The Maranello squad had engineered their power unit architecture specifically to minimize this exact drawback by utilizing a smaller turbocharger. This clever design choice allowed Frederic Vasseur's squad to rocket past rivals in the opening 200 to 300 meters of a race, even when starting further down the grid from the third row.

Addressing the performance gap, Tombazis emphasized that such an explosive launch advantage was never going to last forever. Competitors quickly adapted their systems, worked tirelessly on their software configurations, and successfully closed the initial performance deficit within a few rounds.
The governing body ultimately intervened by adding an extra five seconds to the start sequence to give drivers clearer cues on engine revs and prevent dangerous stalls on the grid. Tombazis confirmed that this precautionary measure was thoroughly discussed with all participating teams to ensure maximum safety during the most volatile phase of a grand prix.



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