Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 22, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Saturday 18th November 2023. Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1 needs to be conscious that the current generation of cars “are not made for 80km/h corners,” following last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Las Vegas’ debut resulted in an enthralling race that took place on a circuit that did not provide much grip, with the situation accentuated by low temperatures and the absence of support categories.
Drivers have previously made similar complaints at some other street-based events since the current generation of cars were introduced last year.
“We need to balance as we said, this week, all drivers, there is not much fun to drive in this kind of circuits at this speed of 360 kilometres an hour with no grip, no visibility bouncing like hell,” said Alonso.
“You know, these kind of things, I know the show from that side maybe looks good, but these cars are not made to go at corners at 80 kph.
“These corners are made to go in Barcelona, to go in Silverstone and maximize a Formula 1 [car’s] potential, so I think we need to balance the championship and balance the calendar, I think it’s what we are doing but, I don’t think that this is the only way to go.
“I think we need to have to keep some traditional races as well where the Formula 1 car can shine.”
Alonso finished ninth on Saturday after recovering positions following a spin at Turn 1.
“I thought it was over when I saw the Alfa Romeo and I was facing the wrong way,” he said. “So, yeah, I’m happy with the final result and scoring some points.”
Keyword: Alonso argues F1 cars not made for low-grip circuits