The debate surrounding Formula 1's 2026 regulations continues to divide the paddock, but Gabriel Bortoleto believes it's time for everyone to move forward. While several drivers have voiced concerns over energy management and reduced cornering speeds, the Audi rookie insists the sport remains just as thrilling behind the wheel.
Rather than dwelling on what's been lost compared to the previous generation of cars, Bortoleto says drivers should embrace the challenge of adapting to Formula 1's new era.
Key Highlights
- Gabriel Bortoleto believes F1 drivers should stop complaining and embrace the 2026 regulations.
- Despite slower cornering speeds, the Audi rookie insists Formula 1 has not "lost its magic."
- Drivers remain concerned about battery deployment, especially ahead of races like Spa-Francorchamps.
- Bortoleto says the current rules will remain until 2030, making adaptation the only way forward.
Bortoleto: Formula 1 Is Still Just as Exciting
Since Formula 1 introduced its new technical regulations for 2026, many drivers have struggled to adjust after several seasons with the high-downforce cars used between 2022 and 2025. Those previous machines allowed drivers to attack high-speed corners with remarkable confidence, while the latest generation demands greater energy management and more lifting through fast sections.
Although the FIA introduced deployment tweaks after the Miami Grand Prix to improve battery usage during races, many drivers still believe the issue hasn't been fully solved. Additional changes aimed at increasing internal combustion engine output through higher fuel flow are already planned for 2027 and 2028.
Silverstone Didn't Lose Its Challenge, Says Audi Rookie
Concerns over battery depletion became a major talking point before the British Grand Prix, with drivers warning that Silverstone's fast layout would put the new power units under significant strain. Several have also suggested that Spa-Francorchamps could present an even greater challenge.
Oscar Piastri even admitted it would be disappointing if battery limitations reduced the excitement of iconic corners. Bortoleto, however, came away from Silverstone with a very different impression. The Brazilian explained that while the cars behave differently from previous seasons, they are far from easy to drive.
He argued that Formula 1 remains incredibly demanding despite the changes in car performance. "I don't think we've lost the magic of the sport. We are still driving f***ing quick through Copse. It's 280 kph, so I'm still lifting to do that corner."
"Turn the Page" on the 2026 Regulations
For Bortoleto, constantly revisiting the same complaints serves little purpose. He believes the current regulations are here to stay and drivers should focus on maximizing their performance rather than comparing today's cars with the previous generation.
According to the Audi driver, Formula 1 has always evolved through different technical eras, and adapting has always been part of being an elite driver. He also pointed out that the current rules are expected to remain in place until the end of 2030, meaning there is little value in debating them every race weekend.
Drivers Must Adapt to Formula 1's New Era
While criticism of the 2026 package is unlikely to disappear overnight, Bortoleto remains optimistic about the direction of the sport. He says the current chassis are still enjoyable to drive thanks to their agility, even if energy management has become a bigger part of racing.
His message to fellow drivers is simple: stop looking back and start embracing the challenge. With Formula 1 already planning future engine refinements before the next major regulation cycle, Bortoleto believes the focus should now shift from complaining to adapting—because, in his view, the sport's magic never went away.
