Fernando Alonso reflects on the dramatic changes in Formula 1 since his debut in the sport. The Spaniard first hit the grid in 2001 and has witnessed a significant transformation in cars over the years. But not all changes have been for the better, the world champion admits: ‘The joy behind the wheel has diminished.’
Fernando Alonso made his Formula 1 debut at the Australian GP in 2001. Fast forward twenty-five years, and he stands as the most experienced driver on the current grid. As he gears up for his 23rd season in Formula 1—amidst yet another wave of major regulatory changes—Alonso reflects on the biggest shifts in motorsport since his rookie year.
“The F1 has improved in terms of safety, selling the show to the public, and technology,” Alonso stated in an interview with The New York Times. “We have incredible power units, very efficient, that consume maybe sixty percent less fuel than twenty years ago while delivering the same or better performance. That’s remarkable.”
Pleasure Behind the Wheel: Alonso’s Take on F1 Changes
Not all changes are good for Formula 1, admits Alonso. The Spanish driver reveals that advancements in technology have had a significant downside for the cars. “The pleasure behind the wheel has perhaps diminished,” he stated. “Due to safety and technology, these long, heavy cars are not as sharp as they used to be.”
Will the 2026 cars bring back some of that driving joy for Alonso? It’s still up in the air. The new machines are smaller and thirty kilograms lighter than the previous generation with ground effect. However, the Spanish world champion is sticking around for now. “When I think about what the best step is for the coming year, the next three years, or whatever, I believe Formula 1 is still the pinnacle of motorsport,” Alonso concluded. He’s locked in with Aston Martin until the end of 2026.
