Alonso slams 2026 F1 energy rules as ‘weird’ driving formula
NXTbets Pro | Published On: September 23, 2026
Alonso regulations
Alonso said Formula 1’s 2026 rules matter more to his future than Aston Martin’s competitiveness. He argued the sport needs to protect the aggressive driving that drew him to racing in the first place, and he wants the new formula to move toward a 60-40 combustion-to-electric power split. He said more changes are needed to cut back on energy management during races and restore more freedom for drivers to attack corners. Alonso also said he is not against electrical energy in Formula 1. His point is about how the system works on track, not whether hybrid power belongs in the championship. He wants a formula that rewards speed, racecraft and commitment, not one that turns every lap into a calculation about battery use.
Battery management
Alonso said the current 2026 concept forces drivers to slow down just to manage battery use, and he does not want cars reaching the end of straights with no power left. He said electrical energy should be used over longer periods, which would make the cars feel more natural to drive and less tied to constant energy recovery and deployment decisions. He described the current balance between harvesting and deploying battery power as “weird.” That word captured his frustration with a system he believes puts too much emphasis on managing energy and too little on driving hard. Alonso said Formula 1 has grown in events and spectacle, but he feels the frustration most from behind the wheel. His criticism centered on the driving experience, with the current rules asking too much of drivers and too much of the battery.
Alonso on tracks
Alonso said the present formula has already changed the character of some of Formula 1’s fastest and most demanding tracks. He said high-speed circuits such as Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka have been “killed” by the current setup. He pointed to Eau Rouge and the 130R corner as examples of how the cars now affect iconic sections of a lap. Those corners have long demanded commitment, but Alonso said the current rules limit the freedom drivers need to attack them properly. He said he has recently spoken with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and is also discussing Formula 1’s direction with Stefano Domenicali and the teams. That leaves Alonso in the middle of a wider debate over where the championship goes next. His message was clear. He wants the sport to keep its speed, keep its edge and give drivers more room to race the way Formula 1 has always promised.
