Since the 2022 season the sport introduced major aerodynamic changes that re-emphasised under-floor tunnels and venturi effects (ground-effect) to create downforce. The idea was to improve racing by letting cars follow more closely. But issues emerged: heavy cars, technical complexity, less overtaking than hoped. Below we discuss the comments of Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen on leaving this era of racing.
What the drivers said
Alonso said of the current cars: “I have said let’s keep exactly the same car … but unfortunately that’s not the case any more.” (Actually that quote was from Toto Wolff; I’ll include his context later) But more relevantly Alonso has stated directly: “I will not miss this generation of cars … the expectations of these regulations … was to follow closely and have better action on track, but … not really a success.”
Verstappen echoed similar feelings, saying he “won’t miss these cars” and pointing to physical and driving drawbacks in the ground-effect machines.
So why the mood of disengagement?
Why they don’t expect to miss them
1. Too heavy and too big
Alonso described the current cars as “definitely too heavy, they are too big”. He said the ride heights, ground-effect focus and suspension requirements made them less fun to drive. The physical burden shows in Verstappen’s comments: “Physically, it hasn’t been the best … my whole back is falling apart and my feet always hurt.”
2. Limited overtaking improvement
The original aim of the ground-effect rules was to enable better following and more passing. The under-floor downforce concept should have helped with dirty air. But Alonso and others say the reality has been different: overtaking is still tough. Alonso: “Maybe the first year a little bit, but not after that. So I don’t think we will miss too much of this.”
Verstappen noted that slipstream is “not as efficient anymore” and that the change has reduced opportunities rather than increased them.
3. Narrow operating windows and complexity
Alonso has previously noted the current cars are “very difficult to set-up, more difficult to understand … the balance is completely out of the way and then you stop and you are P14. And sometimes you are top three.”
The ground-effect era has forced teams into tighter ride-height tolerances, increased porpoising risk and greater sensitivity to track surface and tyre behaviour. Many drivers feel the car’s behaviour is less intuitive, meaning they cannot always extract consistent performance.
4. Changing direction of the sport
With a regulation reset scheduled for 2026, the ground-effect era is ending. Alonso said he won’t miss the cars, but admitted that next year’s machines might be slower and he may miss the speed. This suggests the mindset is already shifting toward the next generation rather than nostalgia for the current one.
What this means for Alonso, Verstappen and their rivals
For Alonso, this is a moment of relief and looking ahead. He’s been around many car generations. He sees the present one as less fun and less rewarding in certain ways. For Verstappen, dominating this era means he’s ready to move on rather than cling to it. When drivers at this level say they won’t miss current cars, it signals a collective fatigue with the status quo.
Their rivals will benefit too. If everyone is tired of the same constraints, the reset could bring greater performance diversity, fresh challenges and possibly improved racing. The fact that leading drivers critique the era increases pressure on teams and the governing body to deliver meaningful change.
Will this view change?
It’s possible. Even though Alonso says he won’t miss the cars, he also admits next year’s cars might be slower and that could lead to nostalgia. Drivers often grow to miss performance levels once they’re gone. The next generation might deliver better following, better tyres, more overtaking or a better feel. If the reset brings that, memories of the ground-effect era might soften.
However if the reset fails to deliver improvements, the ground-effect era might end up being looked back on more kindly than it is now. In that case Alonso and Verstappen’s current stance might shift.
Final thoughts
The ground-effect era in F1 has been marked by ambition: under-floor downforce, cars capable of high cornering speeds, promises of closer racing. But for many drivers, including Alonso and Verstappen, the reality has been heavier cars, tougher setup windows, still-difficult overtaking and physical strain. In that context it’s understandable they say they won’t miss them.
What matters now is what comes next. The regulation reset for 2026 offers an opportunity to recapture the excitement, the freedom and the dynamic performance drivers crave. For now, Alonso, Verstappen and the rest are focused on extracting the best from the present, but their eyes are firmly on the future.
