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Alonso paints grim picture: 'F1 gets less power than F2' at Spa
F1 drivers are bracing for a significant deficit in engine power during the Belgian Grand Prix, a challenge Fernando Alonso warns could leave cars with less grunt than F2 machinery.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-11T13:03:27.000Z - 1 min read
Iconic Spa-Francorchamps is renowned for its long straights and daunting climbs, a combination expected to cause extra headaches for Formula 1 drivers this year. The emphasis will once again be on delicate energy management, an aspect tested to the limit on this circuit.
Concerns over energy deployment are already palpable in the paddock. Fernando Alonso expressed fears that drivers could spend large portions of the lap without battery capacity, resulting in "less power than a Formula 2 car."
The first sector in particular—from La Source up through Eau Rouge—is notorious for its power demands. The track demands maximum effort continuously, putting F1 cars' hybrid energy systems to the test and depleting the battery faster than at other circuits.
This expected challenge presents a complex puzzle for teams and drivers alike. Striking the optimal balance between straight-line speed and sufficient energy for crucial corners will be key to success in the Belgian Ardennes.