Bortoleto finished 11th in the sprint race before his disqualification. The FIA ruled that his car’s intake air pressure exceeded the maximum permitted limit of 4.8 barA. Audi acknowledged that the pressure was measured above this threshold but contended it occurred over just one lap due to unexpected temperature increases.

The FIA stewards maintained that compliance must be upheld at all times, which Bortoleto’s car failed to do. This ruling adds to a series of setbacks for Audi, as this marks the third time in five events that an Audi driver has failed to start due to engine problems.

Bortoleto’s team-mate, Nico Hulkenberg, did not start the sprint race either, having faced a mechanical failure. Following Bortoleto’s disqualification, his car was dismantled in the Audi garage during qualifying.

During qualifying, Bortoleto experienced further issues when his car emitted smoke during the cooldown lap, indicating a potential brake problem. As a result of his disqualification, he started the main race from 22nd position.

Hulkenberg managed to qualify for the main race after repairs were made to his car. Observers note that these recurring issues with Audi’s vehicles could significantly impact their performance in upcoming races.

Bortoleto expressed frustration after the incident, stating, “My brakes are on fire man.” This sentiment reflects the mounting pressure on Audi as they continue to grapple with technical difficulties.

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Mercedes and Red Bull exploited a loophole that permitted MGU-K shutdowns during technical emergencies, which provided an advantage of 50kW to 100kW over competitors during the final sector of qualifying laps. The FIA has now clamped down on that practice, introducing a ‘continuous offset’ mode to deter the use of the MGU-K shutdown trick.

As part of the new regulations, if the MGU-K is shut down, it cannot be activated again for 60 seconds, which poses a significant disadvantage during races. Safety concerns arose during the Japanese Grand Prix when drivers experienced power losses due to the trick, prompting Ferrari to raise issues about its implications with the FIA.

The FIA clarified that MGU-K shutdowns must only be used for legitimate emergencies and not for performance enhancement. The ban on the trick was implemented ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, where it is expected to level the playing field among teams.

Mercedes and Red Bull had previously realized they could use the trick during cooldown laps after qualifying efforts without penalty, allowing all four drivers for the teams to run at maximum deployment as they powered towards the finish line. However, the FIA has now seemingly issued updated technical directives making clear the restrictions on MGU-K usage.

With the updated regulations, observers anticipate a more competitive environment in the upcoming races. The FIA has updated technical documents to enforce the ban on the trick, ensuring that teams adhere to the new guidelines.

As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, the impact of this ban on team strategies and performance will be closely monitored. The FIA’s decisive action reflects its commitment to maintaining fairness and safety in the sport.

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Oliver Bearman was involved in a crash during the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, 2026, raising significant safety concerns in Formula One. The incident occurred on lap 21 at Spoon Curve when Bearman lost control while chasing Franco Colapinto, leading to a 50G impact as he was traveling at 190mph.

Fortunately, Bearman avoided serious injury and was cleared at the track’s medical centre, with no fractures found after an X-ray. He described the crash as “scary” but reassured fans by stating he was “absolutely fine” after the incident.

The crash was exacerbated by a 50 kph closing speed difference between Bearman and Colapinto, which has raised alarms among drivers and officials alike. Carlos Sainz remarked, “We’ve been warning them about this happening,” emphasizing the need for urgent action regarding safety in Formula One.

The FIA has announced it will review the regulations following this incident, with three meetings scheduled to assess potential changes. Andrea Stella stated, “This should jump to the top of the agenda,” highlighting the urgency of addressing safety concerns.

The crash also triggered a Safety Car during the race, allowing Kimi Antonelli to secure victory and become the youngest driver to lead the world championship. As of now, Bearman holds 17 points in the world drivers’ championship standings.

As discussions continue, observers are keenly watching how the FIA will respond to the growing calls for improved safety measures in the sport. The implications of this crash could lead to significant changes in how Formula One addresses safety and closing speeds under the new regulations.

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