Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur will not bow to pressure to change Formula 1\u2019s start procedure, after all, the Scuderia already made concessions with the five-second blue lights.<\/p>\n
Formula 1\u2019s new engine regulations, with the 50\/50 split in electrical and combustion power, have created a new set of challenges for the drivers, one of which is the race starts.<\/p>\n
Fred Vasseur stands firm on F1 start rule changes<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> to your favourites list for news you can trust<\/p>\n The drivers have been struggling with their launches in the all-new cars, a consequence of removing the MGU-H from the hybrid engine.<\/p>\n The MGU-H previously helped to cover up turbo lag across the lower rev range, and without it, the cars are taking more time to reach the ideal start configuration to successfully launch off the line. Ferrari was the exception, with the team believed to be running a smaller turbo.<\/p>\n Following safety concerns raised by the drivers and team principals, the FIA introduced a new blue lights process during pre-season testing, the lights flashing a few seconds ahead of the procedure to alert the drivers that it was about to begin.<\/p>\n However, over two race weekends, it is clear that it is just part of the issue.<\/p>\n More from Ferrari on PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n Ferrari delays debut of \u2018Macarena\u2019 wing after cautious Shanghai practice test<\/a><\/p>\n Fred Vasseur admits Ferrari risked looking \u2018completely stupid\u2019 during Hamilton\u2013Leclerc fight<\/a><\/p>\n Drivers have also complained about a lack of battery as they try to pull away from the line. Today\u2019s cars have an energy harvesting limit around the lap, an amount set for each circuit, which resets upon crossing the finish line.<\/p>\n Those starting in the top half of the grid have effectively crossed the finish line and are already on the lap.<\/p>\n It\u2019s caught out many drivers, with championship leader George Russell revealing the FIA has been looking to adjust the energy harvesting rule to level the playing field at the race starts. One team, though, is against it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe FIA,\u201d said the Mercedes driver, \u201cwere looking to potentially adjust that but, as you can imagine, some teams who are making good starts didn\u2019t want it, which I think is just a little bit silly. I\u2019m not overly concerned, but it\u2019s definitely a challenge.<\/p>\n \u201cI think they [the FIA] want to [help], but they need a supermajority from the teams which they don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can probably guess which team is against that.<\/p>\n \u201cThe FIA did just want to make our life easier and just remove this harvest limit but, as often, people have selfish views and they want to do what\u2019s best for themselves, and that\u2019s a part of Formula 1 and part of the challenge of Formula 1.\u201d<\/p>\n Russell, although winning two of three events this season, has repeatedly lost out to Ferrari on the opening laps. He was overtaken by Charles Leclerc in Australia, by Lewis Hamilton in the Sprint in China, and by Hamilton again in the grand prix.<\/p>\n With Mercedes having the measure of Ferrari<\/a> in qualifying trim and also in race pace, although Ferrari is a bit closer there, it\u2019s no surprise that the Scuderia isn\u2019t open to giving up its one advantage \u2013 the starts.<\/p>\n Especially, says Vasseur, as he warned the FIA a year ago that the starts would be problematic and motorsport\u2019s governing body opted not to do anything at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that we already changed massively the rule of the start with the five-second story,\u201d the Ferrari team principal said in Shanghai.<\/p>\n \u201cOne year ago I went to the FIA, I raised the concern on the starting procedure said, \u2018guys, it will be difficult\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reply was clear that we have to design the car fitting with the regulation and not to change the regulation fitting with the car.<\/p>\n \u201cWe designed the car fitting with the regulation, the change of the five-second blue light story didn\u2019t help us at all, but I think enough is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Pressed if it was a \u2018closed case\u2019, Vasseur simply replied: \u201cFor me, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Formula 1 would need a supermajority to change the start procedure, meaning all teams bar one, along with the FIA and FOM, must agree. Ferrari\u2019s customers \u2013 Haas and Cadillac \u2013 are unlikely to vote in favour as they too run the engine with the smaller turbo.<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n