Leclerc Credits “Cheeky” Lights Operator for Ferrari’s Start
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Starting Position: Leclerc began 4th on the grid at Albert Park.
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Launch Off the Line: He rocketed into first at Turn 1, aided by a fast-revving SF-26 and an unexpectedly quick start sequence.
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Hamilton’s Start: Lewis Hamilton also gained positions at the start, showing Ferrari’s launch capabilities were strong.
Why the Start Was Exceptional
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F1 2026 cars require drivers to rev up turbo and battery systems before launching.
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A blue flashing light signals the start procedure to drivers, allowing them to prepare their PU deployment.
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Leclerc suggested that the lights went out unusually quickly, catching drivers by surprise and giving Ferrari a temporary edge:
“I think the person that is switching off the lights has been quite cheeky… to go so quick lights off, it took everybody by surprise, and we’re always very much on the limit with the power units.”
Race Reflections
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P3 Finish: Despite the lightning start, Leclerc finished third behind George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
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Virtual Safety Car (VSC) Impact:
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Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull triggered a VSC.
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Mercedes pitted Russell and Antonelli, gaining strategic advantage.
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Ferrari delayed pitting Leclerc and Hamilton, meaning they changed tyres under green flag conditions, losing time.
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Leclerc on Winning Chance:
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“I don’t think so… Mercedes maybe had a bit more pace than us today, but maybe not as much as what we saw yesterday. So that’s a good thing, but, I don’t think we could have won.”
Leclerc on Race Challenges
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Energy deployment differences made defending and overtaking unpredictable.
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Leclerc described the start as “tricky” but enjoyable, calling the first part of the race fun despite finishing third.
Takeaway: Ferrari’s start in Melbourne was impressive, boosted by a fast start light sequence, but Mercedes’ strategic call under the VSC and superior race pace ultimately secured their 1-2 finish.