Gabriel Bortoleto Calls Out F1 Rivals, Demands Rule Acceptance

**Gabriel Bortoleto** told fellow drivers on 7 July 2026 to stop whining about the 50:50 power‑split rule after he finished eighth at the British Grand Prix, reminding everyone the cars are still fast and the regulations are here to stay.

During the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, concerns rose that the new 2026 hybrid formula-a 50 % internal‑combustion engine (ICE) and 50 % battery output-would drain batteries on the long flat‑out sections from Luffield to Stowe. Some drivers warned the flat‑blast through Copse, Maggots and Becketts could cut top speed. Bortoleto, who crossed the line eighth, said the fears proved milder than expected but the criticism kept coming.

In post‑race media, Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie for Audi, said drivers need to "turn a page" and adapt. He highlighted that cars still hit 280 km/h through Copse and that the grip levels remain high. "These are the regulations we live with until 2030," he told RacingNews365. "If you keep complaining, just move on-the sport is still fun."

Bortoleto’s comment hits a nerve because the 50:50 split is set to shift to a 60:40 ICE‑bias by 2028, a change that some teams fear will favor larger manufacturers. By publicly urging acceptance now, he positions himself as a voice for stability, potentially easing tension among drivers who fear losing performance.

The FIA plans to keep the current hybrid formula in place through 2030 before a major overhaul. Bortoleto’s remarks suggest the grid may see fewer public disputes as the season progresses, especially if teams focus on extracting performance within the existing rules. Meanwhile, Audi will aim to improve on the eighth‑place finish, targeting points higher up the order at the next race.

Silverstone’s 2026 layout tested the new power balance. While the battery‑drain worries lingered, most drivers managed the hybrid system without major issues. Bortoleto’s eighth place marked Audi’s first points of the season, following a ninth‑place finish at the Australian GP. The result kept him in the midfield battle, with a clear target to break into the top six.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, both vocal about the hybrid split, have yet to respond publicly. Their teams will watch how Bortoleto’s call influences the narrative. If the criticism eases, the focus may shift back to on‑track battles rather than technical grievances.

RacingNews365 will continue covering driver reactions and technical updates. Fans can subscribe to the F1 calendar feed for real‑time alerts on race weekends, qualifying sessions and any further statements from Bortoleto or his rivals.

Bortoleto’s message is simple: the cars are still quick, the rules are set, and the sport’s excitement depends on drivers embracing the current formula. As the season rolls on, his stance could shape how the grid talks about power‑unit regulations.