Fernando Alonso is struggling to get to grips with the 2026 Formula 1 cars: he explains why driving instinct alone is no longer enough and what he would change about the powertrain
For two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, the 2026-generation race cars still feel unfamiliar. “I simply grew up with a different kind of motorsport,” said the 45-year-old ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“I drive lots of different vehicles. And with every single car I drive, it feels completely natural to me to drive fast. You brake later, accelerate sooner, take more risks and learn as you go. You keep developing. With every lap, you get faster because you get to know the car better and better and understand its limits more and more. That’s pure driving instinct.”
“It doesn’t work like that with the current regulations,” explained Alonso, reiterating his criticism of Formula 1: with the current cars, a driver has to “think a great deal”, even before getting in. Too much is “dictated and programmed” by the regulations, the engineering and the simulations, according to Alonso. “That’s why it’s far less fun to drive these cars.”
How the 2026 cars have devalued the most thrilling corners
According to Alonso, this phenomenon is unique to Formula 1: “There’s no other racing series where you have to drive slowly to be fast!”
The course of the season has highlighted the weaknesses of the new Technical Regulations: “Silverstone is an incredible circuit, but it’s no longer any fun. Spa was almost embarrassing. Eau Rouge, Suzuka with the 130R – there were quite a few circuits that were literally ruined this year,” said Alonso.
How Fernando Alonso would save Formula 1
So what would he do differently? Alonso explained: “One option would be to reduce the battery’s peak power and instead make that power available over a longer period. Then the speed on the straights would increase more steadily.”
That is not currently the case: due to the energy management of the current powertrain concept, Formula 1 cars sometimes reach their top speed as early as the middle of a long straight and then even slow down again.
The reason for this is what is known as ‘super-clipping’: At high speeds, the MGU-K’s electrical power output is significantly reduced. This lowers the powertrain’s overall power, even though the driver continues to be at full throttle.
Alonso would like to avoid this. His suggestion: “If you had less power, but it were available for longer, the speed curve would look more like that of a racing car. Then you’d reach the corner at top speed – rather than hitting top speed halfway down the straight.”
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali sees things quite differently
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali sees it differently – and sees no problem with the current powertrain concept in the ‘premier class’ of motorsport. On the contrary: according to Domenicali, Formula 1 is in a better position than ever.
“As far as the sport itself is concerned, I tend to agree with him,” said Alonso. “Formula 1 is growing enormously. New fans are coming on board. Some of the races are entertaining to watch. All those things. And I think the events are brilliant.”
“Take the Miami Grand Prix, for example: it’s fantastic. I always take my family to Miami. I’d also love to go to the Miami Grand Prix as a VIP and a spectator. It’s a brilliant event.”
“From the cockpit perspective, however, it might look a bit different. Then there’s probably a certain amount of frustration,” said Alonso. He and Max Verstappen are drivers who express their opinions very clearly. “But I think, deep down, everyone [Fahrer] feels the same.”
Still no decision on Alonso’s future
What does this mean for his personal future at Aston Martin? Alonso remains tight-lipped: “Yes, we’re less competitive compared to the rest of the field. But I don’t think that’s the decisive factor for me when it comes to making a decision. I’ll still be there. I’ve said that many times before. I’ll carry on racing. Whether that’ll be in Formula 1 or in other categories, I don’t really know.”
The only thing that’s certain for him is this: as long as he’s in Formula 1, he’ll stay with Aston Martin, “regardless of whether I’m driving or not”, says Alonso. “Because I love this sport. Formula 1 is my life. Motorsport is my life. And it always will be.”
