P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ferrari-engined cars have turned heads at Formula 1 testing after taking off “like rockets” in the end-of-season collective practice race starts
Ferrari-engined cars, including Lewis Hamilton’s and Esteban Ocon’s, have impressed at Formula 1 testing by showcasing exceptional starts resembling rockets during collective practice races in Bahrain.
Hamilton and Ocon demonstrated remarkable getaways, with Hamilton moving from the ninth row to the lead at the first corner, overtaking significant competitors like Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
Ocon’s Ferrari-powered Haas faced an issue when the engine partially lost power before Turn 1 due to a conservative mode setting chosen by the team.
These practice starts hold significance as they aid in testing critical procedures, especially with the introduction of new 2026 engines and an experimental start process to tackle challenges related to turbo preparation.
The Ferrari engine’s unique design, with a smaller turbo and absence of the MGU-H, allows for a faster spin, making it advantageous in delivering boost pressure efficiently for optimal power output.
