Fernando Alonso shared his reflections on his future in F1 during an event celebrating the launch of the BOSS x Aston Martin collection. The Asturian driver emphasized that deciding when to retire represents a complex moment for anyone racing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Alonso explained that it is complicated for a driver to pinpoint exactly when to stop. In his personal case, he lets himself be guided primarily by the feelings he gets behind the wheel and the level of enjoyment he can extract from driving. He told Mundo Deportivo: “Continuing in F1? For a driver, it’s difficult to choose when it’s time to stop. In my case, I guide myself more by how I feel in the car, by how much I enjoy myself when I drive. These cars are not the ones you enjoy the most.”
He added that he has driven cars that were much more enjoyable than the current generation of Formula 1 machinery, regardless of the results he achieved on track. “I’ve driven things that were more fun than this year’s F1 cars, irrespective of the result,” he specified.
This lack of driving pleasure represents one of the key elements that will influence his choice on whether or not to continue, alongside other factors such as the intense racing calendar. Despite Aston Martin’s recent struggles, Alonso still feels at the peak of his physical fitness and competitiveness. He remains ready to evaluate every option with clarity, including potential ambitious projects outside of Formula 1. He hinted that the final decision will arrive in the summer, guided mainly by how quick and strong he still feels behind the wheel.
The critical issues of the electrical component in modern engines
The double world champion described in detail the problems introduced by the current powertrain regulations, which render driving less instinctive and less rewarding compared to the past. He recalled how in previous seasons, the feelings behind the wheel—for instance, during demanding qualifying sessions like Monaco—provided a unique and unrepeatable adrenaline rush. Today, however, things have changed radically.
Alonso stated: “Formula 1 has always been a laboratory of technology and emotion, and current Formula 1 is not.” He went on to explain the practical difficulties: “When you drive, you depend so much on the power unit, on the way you recharge things… if you have a full battery you have a certain type of braking, the engine pushes because it is no longer recharging, and the engine is no longer braking because the battery is full, and vice versa if it is empty.”
This means that a driver can no longer chase absolute perfection lap after lap, modulating the braking with precision and maximizing every single meter. “Now you have to drive at 90% and leave that 10% somewhat random, somewhat up to what the power unit is going to do. This is not ideal for driving,” he concluded on this matter. He also added with a touch of irony: “There are other things that make you feel more adrenaline… which are the cars of the past.”
The proposal to eliminate the electric component
Fernando Alonso was very clear regarding the solution he believes is most appropriate for the future of the category. He proposed completely removing the electrical component from Formula 1 engines, labeling it a semi-useless technology for racing. He recalled the existence of a category already fully dedicated to electric racing, Formula E, which is optimizing powerful and spectacular cars. For Formula 1, in his opinion, there is no need to follow that path.
He declared: “I would simply remove the electric part. The electric part is a semi-useless technology for racing. There is already an electric formula category, Formula E, and I believe that path is already open and they are optimizing it, they have a really powerful and really fun car. For Formula 1, I don’t think it’s necessary to go down that route.” – the former Ferrari driver added.
These considerations come at a time when Alonso must make a major decision over the summer, balancing his love for racing with the desire to continue feeling strong emotions behind the wheel. His words reflect a viewpoint shared by several other top drivers regarding the technological evolution of Formula 1.
Fernando Alonso’s critique highlights a growing debate about the soul of Formula 1, contrasting cutting-edge hybrid complexity with the raw driving emotions of the past. As the summer decision deadline approaches, the paddock will be watching closely to see if the sport’s elder statesman chooses to adapt to this electrified era or seek his adrenaline rushes elsewhere.
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