JULY 9, 2026

Bortoleto disagrees with Alonso over 2026 F1 criticism

Gabriel Bortoleto has broken ranks with mentor Fernando Alonso by defending Formula 1's much-criticised 2026 regulations.

Alonso reignited debate at Silverstone by arguing the new cars have reduced the importance of driver skill, with overtaking increasingly decided by battery deployment rather than bravery under braking or through corners.

There is not any driver input, or driver talent needed to overtake a car in front of you, Alonso said. "You don't need to out-brake anyone, you don't need to overtake on the outside, you don't need to take any risk.

You just need to press one button.

Bortoleto, however, believes the criticism is overdone.

I don't think we've lost the magic of the sport, the Brazilian said.

"We're still driving damn fast through Copse, at 280kph, and I have to lift off the throttle there briefly.

It does feel different than before, when we could whiz through there in the winged cars.

The Audi youngster says drivers simply need to accept the new era.

With the 2026 cars, we've opened a new chapter, said the Brazilian. "And if there are still people complaining about it, then I have to say - get used to it already, because these are the rules we'll have until 2030.

"I mean, are we supposed to whine for three years or what? That's just what we have.

The cars are still fun, they're just different than before. We have to adapt, that's just how life is.

Bortoleto's comments are notable given he is managed by Alonso's A14 Management company.

The 21-year-old made clear, however, that his admiration for the two-time world champion remains undiminished.

Alonso and A14 have been very important to me, he told Mundo Deportivo.

"They gave me the chance to enter Formula 3 with a good team, then Formula 2 with a good team, and later they opened doors for me to have opportunities in Formula 1.

I will always be grateful to them.

He also described Alonso as the most intelligent driver on the current grid.

In that respect, Fernando Alonso is far ahead of everyone.

(GMM)