Fernando Alonso regrets the disappearance of Suzuka’s unique challenges due to the new F1 regulations. The historic circuit is one of the most popular stops on the calendar, partly due to the world-famous corner combinations and the fierce duels fought there over the years. Alonso, an absolute veteran of the Japanese GP, states that the fast corners have unfortunately become charging stations for modern F1 cars.
Read more Arvid Lindblad knocks Verstappen out of the top ten: ‘Confidence in myself’
Suzuka International Racing Course is known for the S-curves, Degner, Spoon and of course the infamous 130R corner. For the drivers, the challenge was always to push as hard as possible in these specific corners; a significant challenge and therefore a beloved circuit for both drivers and fans. However, due to the new F1 regulations and the focus on energy management, that challenge is in danger of disappearing, Fernando Alonso lamented after qualifying in Japan.
‘Half of our team can race here’
Alonso, who is participating in his twenty-second (!) Japanese Grand Prix this year and his twentieth at Suzuka, was asked about the challenges of the circuit after qualifying. “They no longer exist,” he responded promptly. “In Bahrain, I already joked that our head chef could drive through the corners with these cars,” the Spaniard explained. “Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I think at least half of the team can now drive at Suzuka,” he said gloomily. “I’ve said it a few times now, but fast corners have now simply become charging stations for the car.”
Read more Vasseur hints at major upgrade plan for Ferrari: ‘A new championship begins in Miami’
“You drive slower, charge the battery in the fast corners and then have full power on the straight,” he explained. “So driving skill doesn’t really matter anymore. You just have to lift off the throttle or put less load on the battery, and you charge it. So yes, no more challenge in the fast corners,” he summarized bitterly. Almost twenty years ago, Alonso was supreme on the Japanese asphalt for the last time. In his flawed Aston Martin, the two-time world champion did not get further than the twenty-first time.
Read more Verstappen sounds alarm at Red Bull: ‘Bigger problems than last year’
Read everything about the Japanese GP here
