P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Gabrielo Bortoleto — as well as Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas — have spoken about the difficulties of F1 starts with the new power units, branding the process “complex” and “complicated” to do.
Gabriel Bortoleto has expressed concern over the challenges of starting the new F1 cars in 2026, as fears of potential chaos at race starts gain momentum in the paddock. Bortoleto emphasized the complexity of the process, with drivers now having to manually spool the turbo of the new power units for up to 10 seconds before launch. The absence of the MGU-H means drivers must handle turbo lag as a more significant factor off the line, requiring careful management to avoid excessive wheelspin or engine bogging down. The delicate balance of managing turbo spooling without immediate electrical assistance and the timing of throttle and clutch movements present significant challenges for drivers. Despite these hurdles, Bortoleto and other drivers remain optimistic that teams and engineers will eventually overcome the issues associated with the new start procedures in F1. The anticipation remains high as drivers prepare to navigate the intricate and demanding process of launching the new cars during the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, highlighting the potential for an exciting and unpredictable start to the season.
