P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fernando Alonso has conveyed a sense of displeasure at the new Formula 1 regulations after a first true taste of it at Bahrain this week, joking that the energy management is enabling cars to drive so much slower in corners that the Aston Martin chef “can drive the car”.
Fernando Alonso recently shared a comical observation about the new Formula 1 regulations, remarking on the cars being able to drive slower in corners due to energy management, joking that even the Aston Martin chef could drive the car under those conditions.
Having been in the sport for 25 years, Alonso is the oldest and most experienced driver on the current grid, witnessing various changes in F1 over the years, with the 2026 regulation reset being one of the most radical.
The latest regulations introduce 50-50 hybrid engines that require continuous energy management, shifting focus on battery-powered assistance to the internal combustion part of the power units.
Alonso expressed skepticism about the impact of ongoing energy management on cornering speeds, highlighting the shift away from pushing corners at maximum speed as a challenge to traditional driver skills and adrenaline in F1.
The Spaniard’s firsthand experience in Bahrain unveiled the significant decrease in cornering speeds due to energy preservation strategies, emphasizing the strategic trade-off between cornering performance and energy conservation for straight-line speed.
Alonso’s insights underscore a fundamental shift in driving dynamics with the new F1 regulations, where energy management plays a pivotal role in reshaping racing strategies and driver skill sets.
