Daijiworld Media Network – Montreal
Montreal, May 22: Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has strongly criticised Formula One’s hybrid era, claiming the sport has “lost nearly a decade of pure racing” due to its increasing focus on electrification and energy management.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver joined a growing list of critics questioning Formula One’s current power unit regulations and racing dynamics.
Alonso expressed dissatisfaction with the hybrid system introduced in 2014 and criticised the emphasis on electric power integration at the cost of traditional racing intensity and raw engine performance.
“The DNA of these power units will always be the same,” Alonso said while referring to discussions around changing the engine-to-electric power ratio from the current 50-50 split to a proposed 60-40 balance favouring combustion engines.
He argued that the present regulations reward drivers for conserving energy rather than racing aggressively through corners.
“The world thought electrification was the future, but that does not apply to racing. Racing is a different animal,” Alonso remarked.
The Spaniard added that Formula One had drifted away from “pure racing” during the turbo-hybrid era and suggested the sport was now attempting to gradually move back towards more engine-focused performance.
Several drivers, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen, have also voiced frustration over modern race management tactics such as “lift-and-coast” driving and “super-clipping”, where drivers reduce speed or conserve energy to optimise battery deployment.
Alonso said such practices have led to “artificial overtaking” and “artificial racing”, reducing the natural competitiveness and excitement traditionally associated with Formula One.
The debate over Formula One’s future engine regulations has intensified this season as teams, drivers and governing bodies continue discussions on balancing sustainability goals with the sport’s racing identity.