F1 EXPLAINS: Bortoleto on F1 driving tricks, steering wheels and driving in the pit lane
Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto answers our listeners’ questions about steering wheels, the difference between F2 and F1 cars and much more.

What does ‘lift and coast’ mean and why do drivers use this technique? How do they reduce their speed under a Virtual Safety Car? Why do they use a different engine mode when driving in the pitlane? And what do the buttons on an F1 steering wheel do?
Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto joins Christian Hewgill in the paddock at the United States Grand Prix to answer your questions on the latest episode of F1 Explains.
Bortoleto also reveals what has surprised him the most about working with team mate Nico Hulkenberg, how he feels about racing his manager Fernando Alonso on track and the differences between F2 and F1 cars.
The full episode of F1 Explains is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast apps, or you can listen using the player above on this page.
F1 Explains is the award-winning official F1 podcast which answers your questions about the sport. You can send your questions to F1Explains@F1.com.

Next Up
Related Articles
UnlockedHill on winning the 1996 title & getting dropped by Williams
Are these some of the best Drive to Survive episodes?
BettingThe biggest market movers as F1 summer break ends
UnlockedCan anyone stop Antonelli winning Italy’s first title since 1953?
The story behind these 12 striking images from the 2026 season
9 times superhero movies made it onto the F1 grid