Formule-1 : Alonso slams hybrid era: "F1 sacrificed a decade of racing"

Fernando Alonso slams Formula 1’s hybrid era, labeling it a “lost decade” for the sport. Alonso argues that the shift toward electrification has stripped Grand Prix racing of its essence, as teams prepare for a new engine formula in 2027.

What follows puts the entire situation in context: Alonso sees the planned 60-40 split between combustion and electric power as mere surface-level change. He insists that the fundamental issues of the hybrid era remain intact, stating, “The DNA of these power units will always be the same.”

With the sport looking to reduce electric deployment, Alonso believes it’s not enough to reverse course slightly. He criticizes the aggressive move toward electrification since 2014, asserting that Formula 1 has lost nearly a decade of authentic racing. While overtaking numbers have increased, Alonso claims much of it lacks authenticity, describing modern passes as “avoiding actions” driven by battery advantages rather than true driver skill.

His remarks reflect a profound concern over the sport’s direction and highlight a growing trend among drivers seeking opportunities in endurance racing and other categories. Alonso’s critique challenges the philosophy that has defined Formula 1 since the turbo-hybrid revolution began.