Spa-Francorchamps F1 race faces energy‑management challenges, says Alonso

Two‑time champion Fernando Alonso warned that the 2026 Formula 1 power‑unit regulations could leave cars without electric boost for large portions of a lap at Spa‑Francorchamps. He explained, “If you use energy at Spa from the first corner, La Source, to turn 5 at Les Combes … then it’s finito for the rest of the lap.” Alonso added that the cars would have “significantly less power than last year and even less than a Formula 2 car” when the hybrid system is depleted.

Red Bull Racing appears to be lagging behind Mercedes in balancing energy recovery and deployment, potentially hampering Max Verstappen’s performance. Mercedes’s long‑standing experience with the hybrid system is cited as an advantage, while Red Bull is still refining its own power‑unit software and aerodynamics. Ferrari is expected to run a revised rear wing that could add up to 11 km/h on the long Belgian straights, and team officials say Ferrari’s reliability is currently the strongest on the grid.

Other drivers, including Oliver Bearman and Max Verstappen, echoed concerns that Spa’s long full‑throttle sections and limited braking zones will make energy management critical. The event’s broadcast schedule for Austrian viewers is also detailed, with Servus TV and ORF covering the weekend.