P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With the 2026 F1 season about to resume, these are the car problems costing teams the most laptime
The first three race weekends of the 2026 Formula 1 season have highlighted laptime-costing problems for each team.
Ferrari’s main weakness lies in its engine deficit compared to Mercedes, with a rumored 20bhp gap affecting performance.
Audi struggles particularly with race starts due to its large turbo causing inertia issues and difficulties in optimizing boost pressure.
Team principal Fred Vasseur expects Ferrari to close the gap once given the chance to upgrade its engine with additional development opportunities.
Despite leading in Australia and China, Ferrari always falls behind Mercedes due to this inherent disadvantage.
For Audi, improving race starts will be crucial to avoid losing positions early on during the Grand Prix events.
