Who has gained and lost the most places at race starts?

F1 data analysis from the first four races of 2026 reveals significant shifts in performance during the start of races, a critical area impacted by the new power unit regulations. Technical expert Mark Hughes highlights that the removal of the MGU-H has reintroduced turbo lag, requiring drivers to precisely balance engine revs and turbo spooling to achieve a clean getaway. This technical complexity has made race starts a defining battleground for the season. Ferrari and Williams have emerged as the strongest performers in opening laps, gaining a combined 43 positions across the first four rounds. Charles Leclerc leads the individual standings with 12 positions gained, followed closely by Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Ferrari’s strategic choice to prioritize a smaller turbocharger for faster spooling appears to be yielding positive results. Conversely, Audi, Red Bull, and Mercedes have struggled significantly, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli recording a net loss of positions in every session so far, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to acknowledge the need for urgent improvements in their launch procedures.