Ferrari Left Frustrated From ‘Unfair’ Decision From FIA
Ferrari are on the bad end of a regulation change from the FIA, and their car's special abilities has suffered as a result.
Ferrari has a history of getting the benefit of the doubt from regulatory bodies throughout their time in F1, but with the latest change, they are clearly being hard done by. F1 in 2026 has seen a shift to a whole new power unit formula, with cars powered by an even split of electric and conventional energy. As a result, cars have been facing a series of unique adjustments, and much of the machinery is quite distinctive.
Ferrari, unlike others, has mastered its pace at the start of races with a smaller turbo, giving it a great start once the lights go green. May 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during the Crypto. com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images However, the rest of the grid has really been troubled by the energy deployment at the start of the races. As a result, the FIA has made changes to give the teams additional time to charge their turbos during the pre-race procedures, which has helped the teams around Ferrari and punished the team. Their start speeds come with a trade-off over the whole race, essentially, as Ferrari has done over the years, they sacrificed starting speed for race pace.
Ferrari speaks out over the rule change With his team hampered by the change, team principal Fred Vasseur claims it was discussed a year before the new regulations came to be, and when Ferrari decided to go with their turbo. “Imagine, without the blue light [the new pre-start light which gives drivers time to spool up their turbo before the start sequence], some cars would still be on the grid in China,” Vasseur said. “You can put on the table the safety grounds, and it’s the right of the FIA, and I have just to accept.