What Mercedes have discovered about their poor race starts vs Ferrari after ‘GPS analysis’

Follow us on Google Discover

Mercedes have been struggling with race starts under the new regulations in 2026, but their data from Suzuka suggests things are not as bad as they seem.

There is no question that the Brackley outfit have the best power unit and overall package on the grid. Mercedes have won every race thus far, with Kimi Antonelli winning the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position.

How the championship looks after Japan

Which drivers are out of position heading into the break?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

But the Italian did not lead the race at the first corner. In fact, he dropped down to sixth as he got a bad launch off the line, with teammate George Russell also losing places from P2 to the McLarens and the Ferraris.

Mercedes have locked out the front row in the opening three races, but neither car has been in the lead at the first turn in any of them. Ferrari’s smaller turbo allows them to get a better launch from the grid, giving them an early advantage.

Mercedes’ GPS data reveals that they have the pace to match Ferrari and McLaren off the line

Of course, Antonelli did end up winning at Suzuka, helped by Ollie Bearman’s crash, bringing out the safety car. Mercedes have the package to make up lost ground from the start, but the fact that they continue to lose those positions in the first place is a worry.

Toto Wolff knows Mercedes are struggling with race starts, and it is something the team will have to address. But the data suggests that it is not all bad for Mercedes.

In pre-season testing, it was actually Mercedes who were fastest on average in race starts, despite Ferrari’s impressive launches. It showed that the Silver Arrows are on the right track, and that, as per a report from The Race, their poor start in Japan was ‘down to circumstance’.

In fact, the data shows that the team are in a position with the power unit to ‘match McLaren and Ferrari off the line’. It means that Antonelli and Russell have work to do with the start procedure, instead of Mercedes lacking technical progress.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Jolyon Palmer says Mercedes’ race starts are a ‘big issue’

F1TV pundit Jolyon Palmer analysed the start of the Japanese GP via F1’s official YouTube channel. He saw how the Mercedes drivers were struggling to hold position off the grid, describing it as a ‘big issue’ for the team.

“As we see this point here, there’s an interesting dynamic because what you’ve got is every car in the top eight here in the position they qualified, apart from the two Mercedes,” he said.

“So there are a few droparounds further back. Gabriel Bortoleto had another bad start in the Audi, and that’s a team that really has to get on top of these starts as well, like Mercedes.

Change Riccardo Patrese’s mind… Explain why George Russell is good enough to be an F1 world champion 👇

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“But generally, Mercedes have a big issue with their starts and everyone else is fairly uniform. You’ve got Mercedes power units in the back of these two McLarens, who are both moving forward, and Piastri’s start was lightning.

“You’ve also got Mercedes power unit in the back of Gasly’s Alpine and you’ve got Mercedes power units at the back of the field with Williams as well. And both of those drivers are able to get off the line routinely well.

“So, it’s not just a Ferrari power unit that’s a rocket ship. Yes, they’re very good off the line and they’re very consistent off the line, but this is a particular problem for Mercedes right now.”