Fernando Alonso’s Frustration with 2026 Formula 1 Cars
Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he is not a fan of the new Formula 1 cars set to debut in 2026. His discontent was evident during Friday practice at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he expressed his concerns about the changes introduced to the sport’s machinery.
Alonso has been one of the most vocal critics of the new regulations since he first tested the Aston Martin AMR26. He has consistently pointed out that the high-speed corners, which used to be a major challenge for drivers, are no longer as demanding due to energy management requirements. This shift has altered the way drivers approach the track and has led to inconsistencies in performance.
Monaco, known for its tight and technical layout, is one of the few tracks where energy conservation isn’t as crucial. However, even here, Alonso found himself frustrated by the limitations imposed by the new rules.
“This is probably the worst generation of cars I ever drove in Monaco,” Alonso said, clearly unimpressed with the current state of the 2026 machines.
He explained that the way the battery is charged—through braking and lifting off the throttle—creates inconsistency in engine braking. “Sometimes you have less, sometimes you have push and sometimes not. If the battery is completely full, then you don’t recharge because the battery is full. So you don’t have engine braking. It’s like pushing.”
Alonso went on to say that hybrid cars should not be racing, suggesting that the current system is fundamentally flawed.
Challenges with the AMR26
The issues with the 2026 cars are not just theoretical for Alonso. The AMR26 has presented several practical problems that have affected his performance. He has been complaining about “random downshifts” during braking, which have caused him to lose control on multiple occasions.
During Free Practice 1, Alonso lost control on the approach to the chicane and tapped the wall. He described the situation as a result of the complex systems involved in managing the car’s hybrid technology.
“Now, we harvest a lot during braking,” Alonso explained. “The rear axle is just charging the battery massively on the braking. And then you have these downshifts that you need to interact with the engine blip to engage the next gear. There are a lot of things going on this year and it seems that we are not at the level yet.”
Performance Concerns
In addition to the driveability issues, Alonso highlighted that the AMR26 suffers from “chronic understeer” despite some set-up tweaks. He acknowledged that further experiments may be needed to address the problem.
This lack of consistency has translated into poor performance on the timesheet. At the end of Friday practice, Aston Martin was significantly behind other teams. Cadillac was 0.178 seconds faster, while the next closest team, Racing Bulls, had a 0.546-second advantage on the shortest track of the season.
Looking Ahead
Alonso’s comments reflect a broader concern among some drivers and teams about the direction of Formula 1. While the sport continues to evolve with new technologies, there is a growing debate about whether these changes are enhancing the racing experience or complicating it beyond recognition.
As the 2026 season approaches, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed. For now, Alonso and his team are working to refine the AMR26 and find solutions to the issues they are facing. Whether they can close the gap and compete at the front remains to be seen.
