Mercedes W17 start struggles: George Russell warns of “worst ever” F1 launches. George Russell admits his two worst F1 starts happened in Bahrain.

Russell: “Here in Bahrain my two worst starts ever. To win, you have to start well”

Mercedes engine, not only advantages: George Russell is concerned about turbo lag affecting the W17 at race starts.

F1 tests, starts worry Mercedes

Formula 1 is undergoing such a huge reshuffle that it’s hard to keep track of all the factors that could make the difference in the battle for the top, starting in Melbourne. Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, each team looks after its own interests and tries to push the FIA to adjust regulations where they see a potential disadvantage. Mercedes, for example, has secured approval for its engine (at least until August 1) but knows it needs to improve on starts.

Simulations carried out so far in Bahrain have highlighted the momentary superiority of Ferrari-powered cars: the Maranello-built power unit has a smaller turbocharger, reducing turbo lag, meaning the engine responds faster at low RPMs. In fact, by the end of the fifth day of testing, Lewis Hamilton managed to lead into Turn 1 despite starting from 11th, overtaking George Russell and Max Verstappen, who had started much further ahead.

George Russell’s words

George Russell himself highlighted this W17 weakness during the Sakhir press conference: “I think we have great potential. But to win a race, you also have to start very well. And I believe the two starts I made this week were worse than my worst start ever in Formula 1.”

“Lewis Hamilton was 11th and he got to first. So at this point, I don’t think it matters how fast you are,” he added. “I think this will put us at a disadvantage and it will be the biggest obstacle. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to understand right now.”

This technical hurdle highlights the complex trade-offs inherent in the new 2026 engine formulas. While a larger turbo might offer advantages in other areas of the power curve, the immediate “bite” required off the line is currently favoring the Ferrari architecture, leaving Mercedes engineers with a high-pressure puzzle to solve before the lights go out in Melbourne.