Sep.24 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says he is directly discussing Formula 1’s unpopular 2026 driving characteristics with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as Aston Martin continues waiting for a decision on his 2027 future.
The Spaniard has become one of the most outspoken critics of the current cars, particularly the way drivers must manage electrical deployment rather than simply attack the circuit.
“I’ve been racing for many years, and there’s something that comes from lower categories, karting, F3 or F2,” he said in Baku.
“We drive with the instinct to go fast, we take risks when attacking the corners, but you get to F1 and you have to backtrack on what you’ve learned in the last 20 years.”
Alonso said he is now discussing possible solutions with teams and Ben Sulayem.
“We have that responsibility, we must learn, and that’s what I’m talking about with the teams, and Mohammed,” said the 45-year-old.
His preferred immediate solution is to reduce the peak electrical deployment and spread it over a longer period. “The speed will increase and won’t drop off after the big acceleration,” he predicted.
“It will allow us to have race car speeds and we’ll reach the corners at maximum speed, not in the middle of the straight.”
Max Verstappen broadly agrees.
“I think I completely agree with almost everything Fernando says,” he said when asked about Alonso’s latest comments.
But the Red Bull driver warned that reducing battery power alone would also reduce total performance.
“Maybe it will feel a little more natural, more normal, but there really need to be big changes to make it feel normal again,” said Verstappen.
Alonso says that frustration remains central to his thinking about the future.
“I will continue racing, in Formula 1 or other categories,” he said. “But as long as I’m in Formula 1, it will be with this team.”
“Formula 1 is my life and always will be. But from the cockpit right now there is frustration, and it’s something we’re communicating.”
Aston Martin top official Mike Krack admits the team is simply waiting.
“I’m calmly awaiting Fernando’s decision,” he said.
“So, nothing new for now.”
Krack also played down suggestions that Aston Martin-Honda should expect special regulatory assistance, following recent comments by the FIA president.
“The current regulations set certain boundaries, and we trust these rules,” he said.
“As for possible amendments to the regulations, as far as I understand, an action plan for 2027-2028 has already been adopted.”
Honda technical boss Shintaro Orihara has taken a similar line.
“I think it’s fair for Honda to say that we need to improve performance.”
“At the moment we are satisfied with what we have received from the FIA and we are focusing on our roadmap for 2027,” said the Japanese.
Meanwhile, major outlets are reporting that manufacturers have now essentially converged on a much simpler future engine formula, potentially from 2030.
The reported concept is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V8 with approximately 100kW of electrical assistance, significantly less hybrid complexity and a power unit around 50 kilograms lighter.
A push-to-pass style overtaking system is also reportedly under discussion rather than a return to conventional DRS.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES