Gabriel Bortoleto, young driver of the Audi F1 Team, has rejected the idea that the Formula 1 cars of 2026 could cause a conflict with the driving styles of the drivers. In his statements, he has claimed that F1 drivers “must be able to adapt” to any machine they drive.
This year, the competition has seen a significant shift towards more electric engines, with a distribution of 47-53 between electric energy and the internal combustion engine. This transition has generated a new racing style in which battery management is essential.
Expressions like “superclipping” have emerged, and notable moments have occurred during the competition, such as the case of Oscar Piastri at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he was surprised by the self-learning elements of his engine, which affected his vehicle control. Piastri described this situation as “a rather bad way to race,” a reflection that aligns with the concerns of many other drivers regarding the new regulations, which have led to changes for 2027.
Despite this controversy, Bortoleto has defended that “motorsport should not be limited to a single way of driving,” referring to the traditional style that is often taught in karts. The driver has explained that, although techniques can be adjusted, he has not significantly changed his driving style. “We must adapt to any type of car and way of driving,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of this adaptability in high-level competitions like F1.
The debate persists over whether the new vehicles have limited drivers’ control, with examples such as Lando Norris’s recent “forced overtake” on Lewis Hamilton in Japan. However, the most competitive drivers continue to show their talent, winning and finishing in the highest positions of the standings.
Bortoleto has reaffirmed that the best drivers, like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, have maintained their competitive edge. “I don’t see fast drivers being far from the top positions,” he argued, highlighting that competition remains intense and relevant, regardless of the vehicle they drive.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
