{
  "id": 9347454,
  "title": "Alonso slams ‘assassination’ of classic F1 circuits",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/alonso-slams-assassination-of-classic-f1-circuits-9347454",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T13:40:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/09/23/alonso-slams-assassination-of-classic-f1-circuits"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Spanish Formula One champion Fernando Alonso expressed his dismay on Wednesday regarding the deterioration of classic circuits in the modern era of hybrid-powered cars. Alonso, who currently sits in 19th place in the championship standings with just three points, lamented the loss of excitement in Formula One races. His grievances specifically targeted the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Belgian race at Spa-Francorchamps, and the Japanese event at Suzuka.\n\nAlonso lamented that many of F1's most iconic circuits, once thrilling and challenging, have been \"assassinated\" in recent years due to the introduction of hybrid technology. He cited Silverstone, a renowned track, as being transformed into a track \"no longer fun\" to race on. At Spa-Francorchamps, he described Eau Rouge as feeling \"almost embarrassing\" to navigate. At Suzuka, he lamented the diminished challenge posed by the 130R corner.\n\nAlonso stated that his dissatisfaction with the current state of F1 extends beyond his own experiences, implying that other drivers may feel similarly frustrated. He suggested that changes in the balance between engine and battery power could help restore the thrill of racing.",
  "summary": "Fernando Alonso says some of Formula One's most classic circuits have been 'assassinated' in the modern era of hybrid cars and calls for change.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Motorsport.com",
        "title": "Fernando Alonso explains future talks as F1's greatest circuits \"killed\" by 2026 rules",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/fernando-alonso-explains-future-talks-as-f1s-greatest-circuits-killed",
        "published": "2026-09-23T10:45:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Alonso calls for changes after 'assassination' of F1 circuits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/alonso-calls-for-changes-after-assassination-of-f1-circuits",
        "published": "2026-09-23T11:51:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Alonso slams ‘assassination’ of classic F1 circuits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/alonso-slams-assassination-of-classic-f1-circuits",
        "published": "2026-09-23T13:40:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Alonso calls for changes after 'assassination' of F1 circuits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/alonso-calls-for-changes-after-assassination-of-f1-circuits-9347200",
        "published": "2026-09-23T14:23:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}