Bortoleto happy with F1's growing AI influence despite criticism over 2026 cars

The 2026 regulations have introduced a new generation of cars and placed an even greater emphasis on energy management, with drivers and teams relying heavily on software to optimise performance throughout a lap and across a stint.

There has been some criticism that technology is having too much influence over the cars and taking responsibility away from the drivers. However, Bortoleto believes that development is a natural part of Formula 1 and something the sport should welcome.

Asked whether AI was having too much influence on this year's cars, the Audi driver said: "Well we are in Formula 1. We are developing the future technology, if we are not using all the tools that are available in the world for us in our favour then I don't know what Formula 1 is about."

A number of F1 drivers have been vocal about their dislike for the new engine regulations, with Max Verstappen describing it as "Mario Kart Racing". He said after the Chinese Grand Prix: "Look at the racing, you are boosting past and then you run out of battery the next straight, they boost past you again. For me it's just a joke.

Oscar Piastri said that he was fed up with 2026 F1 being decided by "computers behaving or misbehaving".

Speaking to media, including GPblog, after the Belgian GP, Piastri said: "It sucks. I can’t really say it any other way than that. I certainly wouldn’t have been the only person [to complain]. I know George [Russell] has had a lot of issues with that this weekend and maybe the last couple of weekends, and speaking to some others, it’s a similar story.

Changes next season will see the balance between the electric and combustion portions of the power unit change to 43/57 in 2027 and to 40/60 in 2028.