Bortoleto differs from Alonso regarding the criticism of the 2026 F1 rules.
"I don’t believe we've lost the essence of the sport."
Gabriel Bortoleto has diverged from his mentor Fernando Alonso by defending the much-maligned 2026 regulations in Formula 1. Alonso sparked a debate at Silverstone by claiming that the new cars have diminished the role of driver skill, with overtaking increasingly reliant on battery usage rather than on skillful braking or cornering.
"There is no driver input or talent necessary to pass another car," Alonso stated. "You don’t need to out-brake anyone, overtake on the outside, or take any risks. You just have to push one button."
However, Bortoleto feels the criticism is excessive. "I don’t think we’ve lost the magic of the sport," the Brazilian remarked. "We’re still driving incredibly fast through Copse at 280kph, and I still have to briefly lift off the throttle there. It does feel different compared to before when we could speed through in the winged cars."
The Audi young driver believes it's time for drivers to embrace the new era. "With the 2026 cars, we've begun a new chapter," he said. "And for those still complaining, I have to say – get used to it, because these are the rules until 2030. Are we supposed to pout for three years? This is our reality now. The cars are still enjoyable; they simply differ from what we had before. We need to adapt; that's just how life works."
Bortoleto's remarks are significant since he is managed by Alonso’s A14 Management company. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old emphasized that his respect for the two-time world champion remains strong. "Alonso and A14 have been instrumental in my journey," he told Mundo Deportivo. "They provided me with the opportunity to enter Formula 3 with a good team, then Formula 2, and later opened doors for me in Formula 1. I will always be thankful to them."
He also regarded Alonso as the smartest driver on the current grid. "In that regard, Fernando Alonso is far ahead of everyone."
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