Fernando Alonso Slams F1 for 'Losing Nearly a Decade' of Pure Racing

Fernando Alonso has launched a pointed critique of Formula 1's direction, arguing the sport wasted nearly a decade by prioritizing hybrid technology over pure racing. Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the two-time champion dismissed the proposed 60/40 internal combustion-to-electrification split for 2027 as a half-measure, insisting the sport's DNA still rewards conservative cornering rather than flat-out racing.

Why it matters:

Alonso's comments reflect a growing frustration among drivers that the current turbo-hybrid era—introduced in 2014—has eroded wheel-to-wheel competition. With energy management and lift-and-coast tactics now dictating race outcomes, the push for more ICE influence signals a potential shift, but Alonso believes true change won't come until a full return to simpler, louder engines.

The details:

• Alonso called the 2027 tweak a stopgap: "The DNA of these power units will always be the same—they reward going slow in the corners."
• He argued that F1's electrification path was driven by a mistaken belief that road car trends apply to racing: "Racing is a different animal."
• FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the move to a 60/40 split after drivers complained about superclipping and artificial overtaking.
• Alonso pointed to a potential future with V8 engines as the real solution, lamenting that "we have lost nearly a decade—or even more—of pure racing."

What's next:

With Alonso pushing for more aggressive regulatory evolution, the debate between tradition and sustainability will continue to shape F1's technical roadmap. The 2027 rule change may be a first step, but top drivers are already looking past it toward a more fundamental reset.