Jean Alesi did not mince his words when discussing the controversy surrounding the new regulations, expressing frank anger at the criticism voiced by some former drivers in the paddock.
Read more Alex Palou’s demonstration (Ganassi), Romain Grosjean’s disappointment (Coyne)
The former French Formula 1 driver, who notably raced for Scuderia Ferrari and competed in 201 Grands Prix between 1989 and 2001, does not agree with some former colleagues regarding the new generation of single-seaters.
Speaking on Canal+, Alesi appeared particularly annoyed by what he considers an unjustified stance, disconnected from the current reality of driving.
A more complex modern F1
According to him, the repeated criticisms aimed at the 2026 cars lack legitimacy, going so far as to claim that those who voice them would simply not be capable of driving these modern machines. A strong statement, reflecting both his irritation and his admiration for the demands placed on today’s drivers.
“I hate former drivers who speak ill of this new generation of single-seaters,” he said. “All the former drivers who speak ill would not be able to drive these cars.”
Behind this incisive outburst, Alesi highlights the increased complexity of modern driving, particularly related to energy management, which has become a central element with the new regulations.
Negative attitude of former drivers
He thus emphasizes the evolution of the driver’s profession, which is no longer limited to pure attack but requires fine management of onboard systems: “ You have to force yourself to say: here I recharge my battery, here I use it.”
Read more Nico Hülkenberg laments Audi’s «false starts»: a great haul of points gone
For him, this transformation should not be perceived as a loss of authenticity, but rather as a natural evolution of the discipline towards more technicality and strategy.
Beyond the technical aspects, Alesi also calls for media responsibility. He believes that consultants and former drivers must accompany this change with a more constructive discourse, highlighting the show on the track rather than focusing on overly technical considerations.
Accompanying technological evolution
He also points out that recent races have offered battles that hadn’t been seen for a long time, proof in his view that the current regulations are fulfilling their objective.
“The important thing is the battle on the track,” he reminds, regretting that some prefer to “play the engineer” rather than value the show.
This very direct stance is unlikely to go unnoticed in the paddock. It illustrates in any case an increasingly visible divide between two visions of Formula 1: the nostalgic one of former drivers, and the one more focused on technological evolution, which Alesi defends.
Read more An Aston Martin finally at the finish, but nothing to shout about