If Fernando Alonso is to be believed, Formula 1 should not rely on the hybrid concept it has been pursuing so far
When asked about his ideal concept for a Formula 1 engine, Fernando Alonso made it clear that one specific type of engine should no longer be part of Grand Prix racing: “Probably not a hybrid,” he said during the press conference ahead of the Barcelona-Catalonia Grand Prix.
“Hopefully an internal combustion engine running on sustainable fuels,” the Aston Martin driver continues. The two-time world champion is anything but enthusiastic about Formula 1’s current hybrid concept. In Monaco, the 44-year-old even claimed that hybrid cars shouldn’t be allowed to race at all.
Nevertheless, Alonso explains: “If you have to have any electric component, it should be a small boost that you can use for overtaking.”
“There was that generation where the cars had around 150 hp [extra] for six seconds,” recalls Alonso. “That must have been between 2010 and 2013 or so.”
The oldest driver in the Formula 1 field is explicitly referring to KERS, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Although the concept was introduced in 2009, not a single team used the expensive system in the following season.
From 2011 to 2013, however, most teams relied on the boost of around 80 horsepower. The so-called ERS, the successor to the hybrid engines introduced in 2014, offered around 160 hp.
“You could use those six seconds per lap strategically at various points in the race, but also in qualifying,” Alonso continues. “That depends on the strengths and weaknesses of your car. So, perhaps this type of electrification would be the most acceptable.”
When asked how many cylinders would be suitable for this formula, the veteran’s answer is: “As many as they want.”
Currently, a V8 engine is being discussed for the upcoming engine generation. Many fans and nostalgics, however, are hoping for a major comeback of V10 engines, or even the use of V12 monsters.
