Tuesday in Formula 1 featured Gabriel Bortoleto as one of the main highlights before the Belgian GP. The Brazilian arrives at Spa-Francorchamps confident after the eighth place achieved in Silverstone, while Red Bull and McLaren also prepare important updates for the weekend.
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Bortoleto emphasized that the points obtained at the British GP represent a reward for Audi’s work and an additional boost for the rest of the season. Responsible for the team’s six points in 2026, the driver stated that he intends to continue learning to extract the maximum from the car and seek another strong result on a circuit that demands confidence, precision, and adaptability.
Behind the scenes, the FIA authorized Red Bull to use its controversial rear wing at Spa. The concept, also employed by Ferrari, remains under investigation for safety reasons after failures that caused the RB22’s wing not to fully return to its original position, causing loss of aerodynamic load and accidents involving Max Verstappen in Austria and England. So far, however, the entity has found no reason to ban the component.
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McLaren, in turn, confirmed that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will use the latest version of the Mercedes engine. The update does not promise a direct performance gain but offers greater reliability and will be used without grid penalties. The team will also bring a new rear wing, although it does not expect a significant transformation in its competitiveness.
Off the track, instability in the Middle East has again raised concerns for F1. The WEC is considering replacing its rounds in Qatar and Bahrain with races in Barcelona and Monza, a scenario that increases doubts about the final stretch of the Formula 1 calendar, which still includes races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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