Stepping into his 23rd Formula 1 season this season, Fernando Alonso emphasized that the sport has undergone a great change both on and off the track since his first race with Minardi in 2001.
The 44-year-old Spanish pilot is on the verge of a new regulation period this season when he races with Aston Martin. While Formula 1 is moving to a new structure in which internal combustion engines and electric power are used at a rate of 50-50 percent in power units, it is also preparing to introduce 100 percent sustainable fuels.
In his interview with The New York Times, Alonso stated that Formula 1 has progressed in many aspects:
“Formula 1 has definitely gotten better in terms of safety, the way the sport is presented to audiences and technology.
We have incredibly efficient power units.
Fuel consumption is approximately 60 percent less than 20 years ago, with the same or even higher performance. “This is truly extraordinary.”
However, the experienced pilot, who is a two-time world champion, also argued that this great advance in technology has negative effects on the driving feeling. Alonso stated that today’s vehicles have become too large and heavy for safety and technology reasons and said:
“I think there’s been a step back in the sense of fun behind the wheel.
These vehicles are very long and very heavy. “They’re not as sharp and agile as they used to be.”