Fernando Alonso urges Formula 1 to shrink car sizes for enhanced racing thrills

Fernando Alonso, the veteran Aston Martin driver, has voiced his concerns over the lack of racing excitement in Formula 1 and called for a reduction in car size rather than weight.

Being the sole driver on the grid with experience dating back to the pre-2007 era, when cars were sleeker and lighter, Alonso believes downsizing the cars will enhance the sport's spectacle.

Over the years, several safety enhancements and technological advancements, such as the introduction of V6 turbo-hybrid power units, have contributed to the weight increase in cars.

The mandated architectural limitations have further hampered efforts to slim down the vehicles, as crash structures have become integral to their design. This is exemplified by the bulky front knuckle in Mercedes' abandoned zeropod concept.

Many drivers across the grid have expressed their desire for lighter cars in the upcoming regulations to improve the driving experience and allow for better racing.

However, Alonso offers a different perspective, stating, "I don't think it will change the show much. It is more the size of the cars than the weight of the cars which makes things more difficult. Overtaking and manoeuvring in the first corners of the race is challenging due to their size, not their weight."

While acknowledging the interest in reducing car weight, Alonso highlights the inherent challenges. Hybrid engines, which are heavier than conventional ones, and the priority given to safety measures contribute to the difficulty in significantly reducing weight. Nevertheless, Alonso remains open to the idea, as he admits, "It is always fun to drive light cars."

As the F1 season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, hoping for thrilling on-track action shaped by ongoing discussions on car size and weight.