P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell admits Ferrari has an advantage over Mercedes when it comes to F1 race starts.
George Russell has acknowledged that Mercedes is currently struggling with some of its F1 practice starts due to the new rules introduced for the 2026 season. The emphasis on race starts under the new regulations has put pressure on drivers to rev their engines longer to prepare the turbochargers. Ferrari has stood out for its impressive starts, particularly attributed to a design choice for a smaller turbo which requires less energy. Russell admitted that Mercedes is still searching for an optimal solution to improve their starts. Other drivers, like Oscar Piastri, have also shared their experiences and challenges with the new start procedures, highlighting the complexities and variations compared to previous seasons. Despite the initial difficulties, teams are expected to refine their starting techniques as the season progresses.
