Three German capital ships would draw a larger British force

What if Bismarck, Scharnhorst, and Gneisenau sortied together?

A larger sortie would draw a stronger British concentration, with carrier attacks helping slower heavy ships catch up.

The scenario adds Scharnhorst and Gneisenau to Bismarck's sortie, rather than specifying a war delayed until 1942. Their communications and preparations would make a larger force harder to conceal. Britain could concentrate King George V, Prince of Wales, Hood, and Victorious, with Renown and Ark Royal among the possible reinforcements. If attacks slowed the German ships, older battleships such as Nelson and Rodney could join the pursuit. Simulations cited in the answer often end with a major British loss, such as Hood or Renown, and the loss of the German capital ships. Those model outcomes illustrate the possible cost of concentration and do not establish a certain battle result.