Fernando Alonso delivers 'step backwards' verdict over crucial F1 aspect

Fernando Alonso feels F1 has improved in many areas during his astonishing 26-year involvement in the sport, but also feels there is one key aspect which has diminished over time.

Aston Martin driver Alonso, who enters his 23rd Formula 1 season this year, has seen the sport evolve considerably, both on and off track, since his debut in 2001 with Minardi.

Even in this campaign, the 44-year-old Spanish driver has another regulation change to contend with, as F1 resorts to a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical power to drive its power units, and embraces 100% sustainable fuels.

"F1 has changed for the better in terms of safety, selling the show to the public and technology," said Alonso, in an interview with The New York Times at the end of last season.

"We have incredible power units, very efficient, maybe 60 per cent less fuel consumption than two decades ago with the same performance or more, which is remarkable."

However, the two-time F1 champion feels the advancement of that technology has had an overall detrimental effect on the cars he has driven over the decades.

"The fun behind the steering wheel, maybe that has taken a step backwards," he said. "Because with safety and technology, these long, heavy cars are not as sharp as they once were."

For this season, the cars will be slightly smaller - 20 centimetres shorter and 10 centimetres narrower - as well as 30 kilograms lighter, so at least a step in the right direction, but still with the machinery considerably different to Alonso's early career in the 'noughties'.

One aspect that has not changed is Alonso's passion and enthusiasm for anything on four wheels, leading to a firm conclusion as to how he views F1 in comparison to other motorsport series.

"When I’m not in Formula 1, I’m on a go-kart circuit, or a buggy in the middle of the dunes, or a rally car," he said.

"Then, when I reflect on what is the best step for the following year, the following three years or whatever, I think Formula 1 is still the pinnacle of motorsport."