Fernando Alonso slams ‘assassination’ of classic Formula One circuits

Fernando Alonso is currently 19th in the drivers’ championship with three points. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso said on Wednesday that several of the sport’s iconic circuits had been “assassinated” by the modern hybrid era and urged the higher officials to make changes.

The Aston Martin driver made these comments after his home Spanish Grand Prix at the newly constructed and opened Madring circuit, which faced heavy criticism over limited overtaking opportunities.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris also described the track as “not a great race track”.

Alonso also said that his frustration with this season’s racing went beyond the Spanish venue, naming Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka among the circuits that had lost some of their former character.

He calls for multiple changes to the balance between engine and battery power, saying F1 needs to restore the excitement and challenge that all the drivers once experienced.

ALSO READ: Hadjar to contine as Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull for F1 2027 season

“Maybe from the cockpit, especially if you have driven other categories or older F1 cars, there is a sense of frustration,” Alonso said.

“Silverstone is an incredible circuit, but it is no longer fun. At Spa, going through Eau Rouge was almost embarrassing, while Suzuka’s 130R has also lost some of its fear factor.”

“There are circuits that have been assassinated this year,” he went on to add.

Fernando Alonso currently is placed at 19th in the drivers’ championship with three points, while Kimi Antonelli leads the standings for Mercedes-AMG with 292 points.