Fernando Alonso described Formula 1's 2026 cars as the worst generation he has driven at the Monaco Grand Prix after Friday practice. The Aston Martin driver criticized the hybrid rules for creating inconsistent engine braking and other handling issues.
Alonso voiced his frustration following the session, saying the new regulations force drivers to manage energy even on a track where saving fuel is unnecessary. This is probably the worst generation of cars I ever drove in Monaco, he said. He added that battery charging during braking leads to unpredictable engine braking, sometimes providing too much push and other times none at all. The Spaniard also pointed to specific problems with his AMR26, including random downshifts and chronic understeer. He concluded that hybrid cars should not be racing under the current rules. Aston Martin finished well behind the pace, with Cadillac 0.178 seconds faster and Racing Bulls 0.546 seconds ahead on the timesheets.
