Alonso Plans to Use 2026 Energy Management as a Tactical Weapon

Fernando Alonso believes the upcoming 2026 power unit regulations, which significantly boost electrical power, will open the door for clever tactical defending. He suggests drivers can strategically deploy energy to frustrate faster rivals, much like they currently use cornering experience with difficult-to-follow cars. However, the two-time champion made it clear he'd rather win comfortably with a dominant car than rely on "using his brain 200%" to finish in the midfield.

Why it matters:

With overtaking already a challenge in the current generation of cars, the introduction of complex energy management systems could add a fascinating new layer to on-track battles. It elevates the driver's role from a pure pilot to a strategic manager, where intelligence and foresight could be as valuable as raw pace. For a veteran like Alonso, this shift could play to his strengths, but his comments also underscore the ultimate truth in F1: nothing beats a fast car.

The details:

• The 2026 regulations will see a near 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power output from the power units, fundamentally changing how drivers extract performance.
• Alonso compared the potential tactics to his current approach: "You use your experience in different ways, in different corners, to make sure that you are not overtaken."
• He hinted that strategic use of energy deployment "here and there" could lead to "unexpected results" for a driver attempting a pass, effectively making the electrical power a defensive tool.
• The ultimate goal: Despite his tactical acumen, Alonso stated, "I prefer not using my brain and win all the races with 20 seconds," underscoring his desire for Aston Martin to produce a genuinely competitive car for the new era, not just one that is clever.

What's next:

All eyes will be on how teams and drivers adapt to the new energy management paradigm in 2026. While Alonso's defensive tactics are intriguing, the effectiveness of such strategies will depend on the final regulations and how the FIA manages energy deployment. For Aston Martin, the focus remains on closing the performance gap to the front-runners, ensuring these clever tactics become a bonus for winning races, not a necessity for scoring points.