Alonso unsure if 'faster F1' a positive for racing

Fernando Alonso is unsure whether Formula 1's planned performance boost scheduled in 2017 will actually do anything to enhance racing.

With F1 cars five to six seconds quicker per lap, and boasting wider front and rear wings as well as bigger tyres, the aim is to encourage closer racing, but the outcome of the theoretical increase in performance cannot be guaranteed.

"The expectations are to have a fast F1 car because now we have a slow F1 car," Alonso told Autosport.

"A fast F1 car will be a better show for people watching the race. But to have better races, it's difficult to know what you need.

"If you look at his year, you have maybe four or five boring races where nothing happens and then suddenly two races which are spectacular and nothing has changed.

"It's the same cars and the same teams. Even with the circuit, one year you see a boring race and the next year it's spectacular."

Alonso also voiced his opinion on F1's current focus on protecting mid-field teams on the back of the sport's cost cutting initiatives.
The McLaren driver believes teams should be given more freedom on the development and testing front, and that the sport should not cater in priority to its weakest members.

"If some teams cannot afford to test, it's their problem, it's the nature of the sport," he said.

"Real Madrid can buy some players and other teams cannot. They cannot say sorry for that. In F1 there is always the need to protect the small teams and sometimes if they cannot test, they cannot test."

Exclusive pictures of the Mercedes power unit

Mercedes tops list of 2016 F1 entry fees

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Click here for a gallery of the McLaren MP4-X

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

13 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

15 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

16 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

18 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

19 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

20 hours ago