Fernando Alonso has expressed optimism that his Aston Martin team-mate, Lance Stroll, will ultimately enjoy the 2026 Formula 1 season despite Stroll’s reservations about the upcoming rule changes. The regulations, set to take effect next year, introduce significant alterations that have stirred concerns among drivers and teams alike.
As Formula 1 prepares for a comprehensive overhaul of its technical and performance standards in 2026, Alonso encourages patience, emphasizing that a full assessment requires firsthand experience under the new conditions before definitive judgments are made.
Major shifts in car design and power units for 2026
The upcoming regulations for 2026 are set to reshape Formula 1 cars fundamentally. New specifications call for smaller vehicles weighing 30 kilograms less than the current models. The traditional drag reduction system (DRS) will be eliminated, replaced by active aerodynamics aimed at enhancing racing dynamics.
Tire dimensions will also change, with Pirelli narrowing the front tires by 25 millimeters and the rear by 30 millimeters. The engine configurations will undergo perhaps the most radical transformation, featuring a 50/50 split between electrical and internal combustion power. The combustion engines will run on fully sustainable biofuels, marking a decisive step toward environmental responsibility in the sport.
Lance Stroll voices skepticism about the new regulations
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has shared his concerns after limited testing of the 2026 car in the simulator. Stroll explained that the car feels notably different with reduced downforce but increased straight-line speed. He described the physical demands on drivers as lower due to decreased G-forces, but also pointed out the challenges for teams in adapting to the new power units and aerodynamic rules.
Discussing the racing experience, Stroll predicted that high-speed, low-downforce tracks like Spa and Suzuka might not be as thrilling to drive under the new rules, at least initially. He warned that reduced downforce would lead to more sliding, affecting the cars’ handling characteristics.
“I did a bit, yeah. It’s definitely less downforce. Fast in a straight line.” —Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
“Different kind of challenge, right? Physically a lot less demanding, because just less G force.” —Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
“But, it’s going to be a hit in downforce, and we’re going to be sliding around more than what we are now.” —Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
When asked whether there would be widespread dissatisfaction among drivers at the 2026 season opener in Melbourne, Stroll remarked that the fastest drivers would likely welcome the changes.
“Not whoever has the fastest car winning the race. I’m sure that driver will be very happy with the regulation change!” —Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
He summed up the general feeling among drivers as one of unease about the direction of the sport, though he acknowledged it as a relative situation.
“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.” —Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
Alonso remains cautious, awaiting real-world testing
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso responded to his team-mate’s comments by urging caution. Having only spent a day in the simulator with the new car, Alonso noted the difficulty in drawing conclusions without physical testing of the real vehicle.
He highlighted that slower performance alone tends to disappoint drivers initially, but the competitive aspect keeps the passion alive. Alonso expressed optimism that if the cars prove fast, drivers will come to appreciate them.
“I only did one day in the simulator, and it was difficult to really take any conclusions of that,” —Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin driver
“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.”
“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.”
“So yeah, if next year you are fast, we will love the cars.”
“And hopefully Lance can enjoy next year. That will be good news.” —Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin driver
The future outlook for Aston Martin and F1 2026
Aston Martin is preparing for a pivotal 2026 season as it strengthens its partnership with Honda for power units. The team’s car design is being developed by renowned F1 engineer Adrian Newey, whose expertise could prove crucial in navigating the new aerodynamic demands.
The transition to these sweeping technical changes will test all teams, but Aston Martin’s strengthened alliance and top-tier design talent position them as a serious contender during this period of transformation.