Alonso calls for 'fixes and improvements' over controversial 2026 engine algorithms

Fernando Alonso says the “self-learning” computer algorithms used for energy deployment in the 2026 F1 power units need to be “fixed and improved”, after continued complaints from drivers about limited control. Under the 2026 rules, power delivery is split nearly 50/50 between electrical energy and internal combustion, and software already maps battery deployment across a lap using inputs from the driver. After the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri criticized the system as a “pretty crap way of going racing”, arguing computer-decided qualifying outcomes can misbehave. Alonso, speaking before the Hungarian GP during the summer break, said teams can still influence performance beyond pure driver talent, but agreed the current algorithm framework must change.