Gabriel Bortoleto Disputes Claims of F1 2026 Driving Style Incompatibility

Gabriel Bortoleto has strongly emphasized that Formula 1 drivers should be capable of adjusting to any machinery, directly countering the notion that the 2026 powertrain regulations are incompatible with diverse driving techniques.

This season has introduced a 47-53 electrical-to-combustion power split, fundamentally altering racing dynamics as drivers prioritize energy management strategies over conventional approaches.

New terminology such as “superclipping” has emerged, exemplified by the Belgian Grand Prix incident where Oscar Piastri’s performance was affected by the power unit’s “self-learning algorithms” that intervene independently.

Bortoleto criticized this dynamic as “a pretty crap way of racing,” a sentiment echoed by most drivers dissatisfied with the current regulatory framework, prompting anticipated adjustments for 2027.

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team

Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Bortoleto defended the principle that motorsport should accommodate varied driving philosophies, challenging the idea that drivers must conform to a singular style rooted in traditional karting techniques.

“I don’t believe drivers should claim they have an unchangeable ‘driving style,’” Bortoleto stated during the Hungarian Grand Prix. “The essence of our profession is adaptability—adjusting even if it feels unnatural—to any car and its specific demands. That’s why we’re the 22 drivers competing at this level.”

He further noted minor adjustments required in energy deployment timing, explaining that drivers must now strategically balance corner entry versus exit performance based on circuits and powertrain constraints.

“Last year was simpler, as energy deployment remained constant,” he added. “Today, drivers must modulate pressure points depending on whether long straights demand cautious entries or short sections allow more aggressive exits.”

The debate intensifies following incidents like Lando Norris’s contested “forced overtake” on Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka, highlighting concerns over driver autonomy in the new era.

Despite this, Bortoleto maintains that proven competitors like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and seven-time champion Hamilton continue demonstrating exceptional skill, adapting seamlessly to their machines.

“Are Verstappen, Leclerc, or Hamilton slow this year?” Bortoleto questioned. “These world-class talents remain at the pinnacle. Their performance hasn’t diminished—if anything, they’ve evolved with the regulations.”

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