Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto has pushed back against widespread driver criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, insisting the sport has not lost its appeal.
The transition away from the 2022-2025 high-downforce era has proven deeply controversial, with many drivers unhappy about the demands of the new energy management rules.
Bortoleto argued that despite the changes, Formula 1 remains as exciting and challenging as ever for those behind the wheel of these new machines.
The Brazilian was speaking after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a circuit many drivers had flagged as particularly punishing on energy usage under the new regulations.
Oscar Piastri was among those to suggest the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps could be even more demanding, warning it might be “sad” to see challenges dulled by depleted batteries.
Bortoleto offered a starkly different perspective, pointing out that speeds through Silverstone’s iconic corners remain seriously impressive even under the new framework.
“I don’t think we’ve lost the magic of the sport,” Bortoleto said. “We are still driving f****** quick through Copse. It’s 280[km/h], so I’m still lifting to do that corner.”
He went further, dismissing suggestions that drivers were simply coasting through corners that were once taken flat out with ease and maximum grip.
“It’s not that easy flat, it’s not that you’re like, ‘oh, we’re not using all the grip we have’,” Bortoleto continued. “Obviously, last year it was a different concept, but I think we should turn the page. That’s the regulations we’re living right now.”
Tweaks introduced at the Miami Grand Prix did offer some relief, with changes to deployment regulations limiting electrical power and boost usage to ensure batteries drained at a slower rate.
Further modifications to address the more serious energy management issues are planned for 2027 and 2028, including increases to internal combustion engine output through higher fuel flow limits.
Despite those future improvements, Bortoleto made clear he believes the paddock’s more vocal critics need to shift their focus and accept the current reality of the sport.
“If there are still people complaining about it, just move the page. That’s the regulations we have until 2030, if I understood correctly,” he said.
The 2026 regulations are set to remain in place until the end of the decade, with Formula 1 reportedly considering a return to naturally aspirated V8 engines from 2031 onwards.
Bortoleto acknowledged the cars are different from what came before, but stressed that different does not mean worse, particularly given the chassis improvements drivers have largely welcomed.
“But we cannot spend three years talking about the same problem every time, you know, because that’s what we have. The cars are still fun to drive. It’s different. We need to adapt to that and it’s life.”