Fernando Alonso has voiced his hope that his Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll will ultimately appreciate the experience of the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite Stroll’s reservations about the significant regulatory changes coming next year. Stroll has openly shared concerns based on simulator sessions, but Alonso prefers to withhold final judgment until more real-world experience with the new rules is gained.
The current Formula 1 rules are concluding their final year, with a major overhaul scheduled for the 2026 season. The cars will undergo extensive changes, including a reduction in size and weight, along with the elimination of the drag reduction system (DRS), which will be replaced by active aerodynamic systems. Pirelli tires will also be narrower, with front tires shrinking by 25 millimeters and rear tires by 30 millimeters.
Anticipated technical changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season
The power units are set for fundamental transformation, moving to a 50/50 balance between electric and internal combustion power. The internal combustion engines will run on fully sustainable biofuel, reflecting F1’s push toward environmental sustainability. These technical shifts aim to challenge teams in new ways and alter the driving dynamics.
Despite the excitement about these developments, Lance Stroll has admitted he is not particularly eager about the new regulations after his simulator experience. He described the 2026 car as having less downforce but being faster on straights, leading to a distinct driving challenge.
Stroll explained,
“I did a bit, yeah. It’s definitely less downforce. Fast in a straight line.”
He also remarked on the physical demands, saying,
“Different kind of challenge, right? Physically a lot less demanding, because just less G force.”
While noting the engineering challenges for teams adapting to battery power, new engine rules, and revised aerodynamics, Stroll expressed concerns about how the season might unfold on certain circuits. He said,
“But for us drivers, for sure, I think these kinds of tracks, Spa, Suzuka, you know, high speed, less downforce, it’s not going to be as exciting as what it is now. That’s just a fact until maybe a couple of years into the regs or whatever, I don’t know.”
He further warned,
“But, it’s going to be a hit in downforce, and we’re going to be sliding around more than what we are now.”
Regarding driver satisfaction at the season opener in Melbourne, Stroll quipped,
“Not whoever has the fastest car winning the race. I’m sure that driver will be very happy with the regulation change!”
He added,
“We all feel, I think, that it’s not very exciting, and it’s not the direction we want to go as racing drivers. But it’s a relative game.”
Alonso’s perspective on the new regulations and team outlook
Asked about his teammate’s remarks during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso admitted he has only limited simulator experience with the 2026 car and prefers to wait for more exposure before making any definite judgments. He stated,
“I only did one day in the simulator, and it was difficult to really take any conclusions of that.”
Alonso continued,
“So, I will wait a little bit longer, or maybe even to test a real car, because sometimes in the simulator, you have a feeling, and then on the real car you have a different one.”
Despite recognizing that the new cars may have less performance initially, Alonso remains optimistic, saying that drivers tend to dislike slower vehicles but also enjoy racing fiercely regardless of power. He explained,
“Yeah, it’s less performance than this year. Every time a racing driver tests something that is slower, [they] will never like [it]. But then we go in a rental car, with 12 horsepower, and we love it [laughs]. When we are all together, you know, and you fight and you win the race and it’s like you win the championship.”
He added a message of encouragement for Stroll:
“And hopefully Lance can enjoy next year. That will be good news.”
Aston Martin’s prospects for the 2026 season are promising as the team strengthens its alliance with Honda. Renowned F1 design expert Adrian Newey is actively involved in developing the 2026 Aston Martin chassis, which could position the team well under the new regulations.
Looking ahead to the impact of F1’s 2026 regulatory overhaul
The forthcoming rule changes represent one of the most significant transformations in recent Formula 1 history, with technical and aerodynamic shifts set to reshape racing strategies and driver experiences. While some drivers, including Lance Stroll, have expressed doubts about the immediate excitement of races under the new format, others like Alonso maintain a pragmatic and hopeful outlook.
The transition to sustainable fuels and hybrid powertrains underscores F1’s commitment to environmental goals, which may also influence the sport’s popularity and technological innovation. Teams that adapt quickly, including Aston Martin with their Honda collaboration, might emerge as early front-runners in the 2026 season. Ultimately, the initial adjustment period may bring a mix of challenges and opportunities for drivers and teams alike.
