Fernando Alonso has delivered one of the strongest criticisms yet of the current Formula 1 regulations, claiming that modern cars have become so simplified in certain conditions that even half of a team’s personnel could drive them. The Aston Martin driver, frustrated by a lack of competitiveness and a disappointing AMR26 package, pointed directly at the rules that define the new era of the sport.
Unable to fight for meaningful positions due to an AMR26 that is well below expectations, Fernando Alonso aligned himself with the harsh words already expressed by Max Verstappen since the Bahrain pre-season tests. Aston Martin continues to occupy the lower positions in the standings at Suzuka, reflecting both performance limitations and unresolved technical issues that have affected the team since the start of the 2026 season.
While dealing with a difficult and unexpected technical situation—partly influenced by the performance deficit of the Honda power unit and several aspects of the AMR26 that still require refinement—the Spanish driver spoke openly about what he sees as a fundamental problem with modern Formula 1.
He did so in his usual calm tone, but with the same firm and direct approach that has always defined his communication style. According to Fernando Alonso, corners such as Spoon and the iconic 130R at Suzuka have lost their defining characteristics. Once considered some of the most demanding and rewarding sections of any circuit, they have now effectively become energy management zones, where drivers are required to slow down in order to recharge the battery rather than push to the limit.
“The challenge of driving at Suzuka? It has disappeared. Disappeared. I already told you in Bahrain, at Turn 10 even a chef could drive the car now. Okay, maybe not a chef, but… I do not know…”
When asked jokingly whether a physiotherapist could do it, Fernando Alonso continued his point without hesitation:
“Yes. I think at least 50% of the team members could drive at Suzuka.”
He then expanded further on the issue, explaining how energy management has fundamentally changed the nature of high-speed corners in modern Formula 1.
“Because, as I have said a few times, high-speed corners have now become ‘charging stations’ for the car. So you go slower, recharge the battery in fast corners, and then you have all the power to use on the straight. So driver skill is no longer necessary. You just have to lift off the throttle or reduce battery usage and you recharge the system. So yes, there is no challenge anymore in high-speed corners.”
His comments reflect a growing frustration among drivers who feel increasingly constrained by the technical complexity of the current cars, particularly when it comes to energy management and hybrid system optimization. What used to be a pure test of courage and precision has, in many cases, turned into a strategic exercise dictated by software and battery limitations.
With the opening phase of the 2026 season now completed, following races across Oceania and Asia, Formula 1 stakeholders are expected to meet in order to address several critical issues that have emerged during the first three rounds of the championship.
However, Fernando Alonso remains skeptical about the possibility of major changes in the short term. While he acknowledges that certain aspects of the system could be improved, he does not believe that the overall philosophy of the regulations can be significantly altered during the current season.
“It is difficult for things to change, because I think there will always be the issue of power to be used on the straights and energy saving.”
“Maybe superclipping and derating will improve. They could fix it, and it is possible that a quick solution in the regulations could improve certain aspects. But in terms of how much drivers can push the car to the limit, I think with these regulations we will not be able to do it,” Fernando Alonso concluded.
The veteran driver’s remarks underline a broader concern within the Formula 1 paddock. As the sport continues to evolve with increasingly complex hybrid systems, the balance between technological innovation and driver influence remains a delicate one. For many, including Fernando Alonso, the current direction risks taking away one of the most essential elements of Formula 1: the ability for drivers to fully express their talent on track.
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