Mercedes Intensifies Efforts to Enhance Race Starts

George Russell reveals that Mercedes is engaged in extensive behind-the-scenes work to improve their race starts, ahead of the Formula 1 season's resumption in Miami. Despite achieving four front-row lockouts in the first three Grands Prix and Sprint, neither Russell nor his teammate has managed to lead after the opening lap. The team's biggest weakness is their start, but they have demonstrated sufficient pace to recover and win the initial three races. Ferrari has shown the best starts so far in 2026, thanks to their compact turbo, which allows for quicker spin-up and an easier launch. Drivers can practice starts during free practice on Grand Prix weekends but lack other opportunities to refine their launch technique. Russell emphasized that while practice chances are limited, the team is focusing on data analysis to address their significant flaw. 'There's a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes,' Russell stated. The team is utilizing simulator days to analyze the first three races and prepare for the upcoming sprint races in Miami and Montreal. Although they are not permitted to practice starts during Pirelli tire testing, they are working diligently to analyze data and improve their performance.