Motor racing-Alonso calls for changes after 'assassination' of F1 circuits


Formula One F1 - Spanish Grand Prix - Madring, Madrid, Spain - September 10, 2026 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso during a press conference REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Sept 23 (Reuters) - Spanish driver ⁠FernandoAlonso on Wednesday called on Formula One to make ⁠races more fun next year, saying many of the current ‌circuits had lost their traditional character.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins with first practice on Friday. The last race was held in Madrid for the first time, ​but the track faced criticism from several ⁠drivers, including world champion Lando ⁠Norris. Others categorised the race as 'a procession'.

Alonso was critical not just ⁠of ‌the MadRing circuit in statements made to Motorsport.com, but said that a number of tracks were not conducive ⁠to exciting races.

"Silverstone, an incredible track, is no longer ​fun," said Alonso.

"Spa ‌was almost embarrassing going through Eau Rouge; Suzuka, the ⁠130R... There are ​circuits that have been assassinated this year."

The Aston Martin driver was positive about the current popularity of Formula One, but alsospoke in favour ⁠of morechanges to the engine output.

Formula One ​has announced changes for 2027 regarding the balance of output between the electric component and the combustion component.

Alonso would reduce the immediate acceleration ⁠provided by the electric component in favour of maintaining speed for longer. It is a matter, he says, he regularly discusses with Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the ​president of the International Automobile Federation.

"Maybe from ⁠the cockpit, behind the wheel, especially if you drive other categories ​or have experienced other Formula 1 cars, ‌there's a bit of frustration," Alonsosaid.

"I ​don't have all the information. We have to trust in the sport."

(Reporting by Ruairidh Barlow, editing by Ed Osmond)

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