Gabriel Bortoleto refutes idea of F1 2026 cars clashing with driving styles

Gabriel Bortoleto has disputed the notion that 2026 Formula 1 cars are clashing with driving styles. This season has introduced more electrical machinery, with a 47-53 split against the internal combustion engine, resulting in a different racing style that emphasizes battery management. According to Motorsport.com and Yahoo Sports, Bortoleto argues that Formula 1 drivers should be able to adapt to any machinery.

Bortoleto disagrees with the idea that there is a single "driving style" that is being disrupted by the new cars. He believes that drivers should be able to adjust their driving to suit any type of car. Some drivers, such as Oscar Piastri, have expressed frustration with the new power unit's "self-learning elements" that take control away from the driver, with Piastri describing it as a "pretty crap way of going racing".

Bortoleto's comments come as the majority of drivers have reportedly disliked the new ruleset, leading to changes being implemented for 2027, according to Yahoo Sports. However, Bortoleto maintains that he has not had to change his driving style significantly, and believes that adaptability is a key part of being a Formula 1 driver.

Brief written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com, Yahoo Sports — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.