Monaco Grand Prix: Verstappen and Bortoleto Discuss Future Regulations
As preparations intensify for the Monaco Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen engaged in light banter with Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto regarding the upcoming simulator work in light of the 2026 regulation changes. Starting in 2026, F1 engines will transition to a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, a significant shift that could disrupt competitive balance.
Verstappen and Bortoleto discussed the uncertainties these new regulations may bring, particularly concerning power unit performance over full race laps. Bortoleto emphasized the challenge of assessing competitive standing at this early stage, admitting, "It’s a bit too early… I sometimes try to ask Max, but he never tells me how they are doing with engine and car."
Verstappen reciprocated the inquiry, inviting Bortoleto to share insights from Sauber’s development. "If you tell me what you do, I can tell you a little bit of what I do," he offered, highlighting the collaborative spirit amidst competition.
Bortoleto acknowledged Red Bull’s established success but expressed eagerness to learn: "You can help me more than I can." Verstappen further challenged his younger counterpart to surpass a lap time set in the simulator, playfully teasing, "I’ll help you with the sim driving. I put the banker lap, and then you spend a hundred laps to beat it."
Bortoleto humorously countered that he could achieve the goal in less than a hundred laps, stating, "Only fifty!"
As the summer break approaches, teams will ramp up preparation for the regulatory changes, possibly allowing for head-to-head simulator sessions between Verstappen and Bortoleto to gauge performance capabilities.
