Fernando Alonso slammed the 2026 Formula 1 regulations as a “button‑only overtaking” system after the sprint race at the British Grand Prix.
Yo‑Yo Racing Demands Button‑Press Precision
Alonso said drivers no longer need to out‑brake or take risks; the “power‑unit advantage” alone decides who pulls ahead.
He added, “You just press one button and you overtake if you have a better power unit.”
Chassis and Power‑Unit Overhaul Sparks Debate
The 2026 season introduced a 50‑50 split between electric energy and internal combustion, making battery management critical.
The change has generated “yo‑yo” battles, with sudden energy surges enabling overtakes that were rarely seen before.
Silverstone Sprint Reveals the New System’s Reality
Alonso finished outside the points, even as his Aston Martin AMR26 temporarily shut down on the formation lap.
He called the circuit “more of the same” in terms of energy strategy, expecting similar patterns at Spa‑Francorchamps.
Energy Deployment Strategy Matters More Than Ever
On tracks like Silverstone and Spa, deploying energy across long straights can end a lap without further opportunities.
Alonso warned that “deploying from Turn 1 to 5” would render the remainder of the lap powerless, shifting the race dynamic.
Alonso’s remarks underline a growing frustration with the 2026 regulations, as teams navigate a balance between mechanical prowess and energy‑centric racing.
"