F1 News Today: Bortoleto Praises Verstappen Support as FIA Announces Rule Changes

December 28, 2025

Sunday was marked by few but significant topics in the F1 news on F1MANIA.NET, with highlights including statements from Gabriel Bortoleto and an important change in the sports regulations announced by the FIA.

Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto spoke about the close relationship he has built with Max Verstappen since arriving in Formula 1. Representing Sauber and marking Brazil’s return to the category’s grid, Bortoleto highlighted the friendship and support he received from the four-time world champion, emphasizing that Verstappen has always been approachable, willing to talk, and help during the adaptation period to F1. According to the Brazilian, this type of support makes a difference for a driver starting their career in the most demanding category of world motorsport.

Bortoleto also made it clear that he sees Verstappen as a reference both on and off the track, not just for his results, but for the straightforward way he handles the Formula 1 environment. The young driver views this exchange as something natural in the paddock and believes that learning from someone of Verstappen’s level is a fundamental part of his growth process in the category.

Beyond the Brazilian’s statements, the FIA announced significant changes to Formula 1’s sports rules, expanding the powers of the stewards to review decisions during race weekends. The entity explained that the goal is to provide more clarity and flexibility in analyzing incidents, allowing corrections even after initial decisions, should new elements or interpretations emerge.

The change comes in the wake of recent debates about inconsistencies in judgments throughout the season, which generated criticism from teams, drivers, and fans. With the new regulation, the stewards now have clearer instruments to reassess specific situations, seeking to reduce controversies and increase transparency in decisions that directly impact race and championship results.

The FIA reinforced that the change does not alter the fundamental role of the stewards but improves the process, providing legal and sports-related support for reviews when necessary. The expectation is that the measure will contribute to greater uniformity in punishments and interpretations throughout the season, especially at a time when Formula 1 is preparing for profound regulatory transformations starting in 2026.

Thus, the day was marked by reflections on human relationships within the paddock and by important adjustments to the rules, themes that continue to shape the present and future of Formula 1.

Jake Thompson

Jake Thompson

I'm Jake Thompson, a motorsport journalist born and raised in North Carolina, where NASCAR weekends were basically family holidays. I’ve been covering everything from Formula 1 to rally raids for over a decade, blending sharp analysis with a fan’s heart. For me, writing about racing isn’t just a job — it’s the best seat in the house.