Fernando Alonso, a member of the Aston Martin F1 team, expressed his concerns regarding the ambitious plan by the FIA to reduce the weight of Formula 1 cars by 30 kg by 2026. Alonso believes that this goal is unattainable and represents a significant challenge for the sport.
The FIA recently revealed the initial guidelines for the next regulatory change, which aims to make the cars lighter and narrower by 100 mm compared to the current models. However, the increased electrical power needed for the engine may hinder the FIA’s efforts to reduce weight.
The new powertrains will feature a balanced distribution of power between the internal combustion engine and the electrical components, resulting in a 120 kW increase in total battery output. Taking these engine changes into consideration, Alonso questions whether Formula 1 will be able to achieve the desired weight reduction.
Alonso, who has signed a contract with Aston Martin for the upcoming regulatory period, stated: “I think it’s probably impossible to achieve a 30 kg weight reduction already.” He argues that, due to the need for batteries to support the 50% electric power unit, cars will inevitably gain another 20 or 30 kilograms. Consequently, teams would have to reduce 60 kilograms from the current car, which seems like an unattainable goal.
Despite the challenges, Alonso acknowledges the ingenuity of teams in Formula 1 and believes that what seems impossible now may become reality by 2026. However, he emphasizes that weight reduction is just one aspect affected by other factors present in the cars.
Alonso expressed a more optimistic view of the new Manual Override Mode, which will essentially replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS) as the primary tool for overtaking in Formula 1.
The Manual Overtake Mode allows a chasing driver to use the maximum power of 350 kW from the MGU-K up to 337 km/h, while the car ahead cannot.
According to Alonso, this feature is similar to the previous use of KERS, where drivers had to decide when and where to use the six seconds of extra power. By using it differently from the car ahead, overtaking opportunities were created.
Alonso agrees to grant drivers the freedom to use power in different ways, which allows for alternative strategies and is being implemented consistently at all tracks.
However, the 42-year-old Spanish driver, the oldest on the F1 grid, admits that he would prefer more freedom for teams under the rules, as was common in the past.
He believes that races should be simpler and focused on the drivers, the team, and the specific setup of each track, citing examples like six-wheeled F1 cars.
Alonso also mentions the advantages and disadvantages that different tracks and tire manufacturers can bring, using the example of Michelin and Bridgestone tires in 2005.
He appreciates the freedom to choose different options and does not like being restricted only by regulations.
