{
  "id": 1434190,
  "title": "Alonso calls for 'fixes and improvements' over controversial 2026 engine algorithms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/alonso-calls-for-fixes-and-improvements-over-controversial-2026",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T06:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/alonso-calls-fixes-improvements-over-060100840.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fernando Alonso has called for improvements to the algorithms governing 2026 Formula 1 cars' energy deployment, amid ongoing frustration from drivers with the new regulations. Under the 2026 rules, the cars' power delivery is divided nearly evenly between electrical power and internal combustion, with a self-learning computer algorithm determining how the battery deployment is used throughout a lap and adapting to driver inputs. Drivers are unable to fully control deployment, leading to criticism from several drivers this season.\n\nAlonso, speaking after the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, where the 2026 cars faced challenges, echoed McLaren's Oscar Piastri's sentiment. Piastri labeled the situation as \"pretty crap\" when it comes to racing. Alonso, competing in his 23rd F1 season, was asked if the stipulation in the F1 regulations that drivers must drive unaided and alone is in doubt due to the 2026 algorithms. He replied that Formula 1 has always been like that to some extent, with drivers never fully controlling every aspect of the car's performance. Alonso noted that car performance has always been influenced by the team's setup and philosophy, even when considering the impact of the 2026 algorithms. While driver aids are not new, Alonso acknowledged that changes must be made to the current regulations surrounding the computer algorithms. He expressed optimism that improvements can be made, either through tweaks for upcoming seasons or a potential return to V8 engines in the 2030s.",
  "summary": "Fernando Alonso has said the algorithms dictating 2026 F1 cars' energy deployment must be \"fixed and improved,\" amid continuing driver frustration with the new generation of power unit regulations. Under the 2026 rules, the cars' power delivery is split nearly 50/50 between electrical power and internal combustion, with a 'self-learning' computer algorithm critical to deciding how the battery…",
  "key_points": [
    "Alonso demands fixes for 2026 engine algorithms causing driver frustration",
    "Algorithms control nearly equal power split between electrical and combustion power",
    "Formula 1's driver control has always been limited despite car performance influence"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}