Fernando Alonso criticizes Formula 1’s 'impossible target'

Fernando Alonso described Formula 1's 2026 directives as creating an "impossible target" for the sport. Regarded as one of the most veteran drivers on the grid, he didn't hesitate to share his opinion on the upcoming changes for the sport.

Per the BBC, Formula 1 has laid out new directives to decrease the size and weight of cars for the 2026 season. The plans included a 30kg drop in weight and for engines to be essentially 50/50 electric and internal combustion.

Alonso, who won two Formula 1 World Championships, told reporters he believed, “it is impossible probably to achieve 30 kilos already,” per Motorsport, suggesting losing 30kg off the current cars would be nearly impossible.

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The Spaniard continues, “If the power unit is 50% electric and you need the batteries to support that, cars will just increase 20 or 30 kilos because of the power unit.”

Alonso also suggested that whilst the new regulations seem almost impossible now, by 2026 they will become “reality” due to some “very clever people in the teams.”

Alex Albon, who drives for Williams is also concerned about the new regulations, telling reporters, “I still think there needs to be some work done. Seeing the speed traces around some of the tracks... it's pretty slow.”

Lewis Hamilton also expressed some concerns with the rumoured speed of the new cars, but he also lauded the decision to focus on sustainability, calling it a “really bold step,” per the BBC.

Recent race-winner Lando Norris expressed different concerns around such drastic regulation changes. The Briton suggested, “You could have massive gaps and then people are going to say it’s boring again,” as changes as large as these could lead to another uncompetitive field as some teams come to terms with the new rules quicker than others.

Per the FIA, the sport has a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with these new rules playing a significant role in that pledge.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem told reporters, “Our aim, together with F1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport's elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal,” per the BBC.

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