Fernando Alonso calls 2026 F1 cars the worst ever at Monaco

Two‑time world champion Fernando Alonso criticised the 2026 Formula 1 generation after Friday practice at the Monaco Grand Prix, calling it “the worst generation of cars I ever drove in Monaco.” He said the hybrid power units create inconsistent engine braking because the battery charging method – “the way you charge the battery, with the braking and lifting off… creates a lot of inconsistency” – and when the battery is full there is no engine braking, “it’s like pushing.”

Alonso also highlighted “random downshifts,” chronic under‑steer and a loss of front‑axle grip, describing the Aston Martin AMR26 as an “unpredictable car.” The team’s performance was the slowest in practice, trailing Cadillac by 0.178 s and Racing Bulls by 0.546 s. Team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa confirmed the down‑shift issue remains unresolved and that the squad has seen no upgrades yet, adding that vibrations affecting the battery have been fixed but the “light at the end of the tunnel” is still distant.

The criticism underscores Aston Martin’s troubled start to the 2026 season and raises questions about the future competitiveness of the hybrid‑based regulations.