Alonso Claims Today's F1 Drivers Face Easier Challenges

Alonso notes that current F1 driving is more about preparation than heroism.

Fernando Alonso has expressed the sentiment that Formula 1 is no longer as “heroic” as it was in his early days, with cars being “easier” to drive for the current generation of drivers.

The 42-year-old driver began his F1 career in 2001, and his contract with Aston Martin, renewed shortly after the season began, extends until the end of the 2026 season, thus prolonging his tenure for another generation of cars due in about a year and a half.

“In a good way, it’s easier for drivers of this generation to drive Formula 1 cars,” Alonso stated.

“Whereas before, it was more heroic. It’s a strange feeling, not sad, but I remember when I started and went to a race, I saw this respect towards me and I was one of those heroes driving these ultra-fast F1 cars.”

“Nowadays, when a young driver debuts at 16 or 17, it seems everyone finds it easier. We have lost some of that heroic dimension we had before.”

“To give a more concrete example… I recall when I entered Formula 1 twenty years ago, the engineer wasn’t able to explain anything to me about the car, about what was expected in terms of optimal settings. Drivers had to know how to drive the car and guide their racing team far more than today.”

“We didn’t have simulators, so for every new track I went to, I had to learn it the day before by walking it.”

“Today, drivers are very well-prepared, having completed 200 to 300 simulator laps on a circuit they are going to race, so they know every bump, every turn, every curb perfectly.”

“Teams are now much more sophisticated and can therefore instruct the driver on how to brake in a particular turn, how to heat the tyres, how to prepare for qualifying, and how to drive in the race.”