Fernando Alonso is frustrated: he believes the 2026 Formula 1 cars are the 'worst ever' and 'should not be on the track.'

      Alessio Morgese via Getty

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      Fernando Alonso is frustrated with the current Formula 1 regulations. After Practice 1 in Monaco on Thursday, the two-time world champion made some strong comments regarding his situation:

      “This is probably the worst generation of cars I’ve ever driven in Monaco,” Alonso stated, according to Motorsport.com.

      Alonso is particularly vocal about the method used to recharge the hybrid system’s battery, which has sparked considerable debate, as it requires drivers to lift off through corners rather than maintaining speed or pushing hard. This issue came to light during the Japanese Grand Prix, where drivers had to adjust their racing style to conserve energy in the typically high-speed corners of Suzuka.

      Marco Canoniero

      Given that Monaco's layout is quite different, it was initially assumed that this wouldn’t have much impact this weekend. However, as Alonso points out, that’s not true:

      “The way you charge the battery, through braking and lifting off, creates quite a bit of inconsistency in the car’s engine braking,” he continued. “At times you have less, sometimes you have more thrust, and sometimes you have nothing. If the battery is completely charged, you stop recharging, so you lose engine braking. It’s akin to pushing.”

      “It’s just the regulations. Hybrid cars should not compete. It’s that straightforward,” Alonso remarked.

      Compounding the frustration is Aston Martin's performance in the principality. Alonso ended FP1 in 20th place, ahead of Valtteri Bottas's Cadillac and his teammate Lance Stroll, who was in last place. The rules (which affect all teams), along with the team’s lack of speed, are likely contributing to Alonso’s growing frustration with the situation.

      On a positive note, Stroll achieved a 15th place finish in Canada, marking the team's best result of the year. If they are indeed making gradual improvements to the package, there’s hope that Monaco might indicate further progress in the right direction.

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