McLaren-Honda diver and world champion Fernando Alonso has commented sarcastically that the job of a Formula One driver in modern times has become comparable to that of an aeroplane pilot. He said that the role of the driver has become focused on the package and keeping the overall efficiency of the car high rather than pushing it up to the limit.

Alonso: Drivers have become aeroplane pilots

“You have to control everything in the best and most efficient way, that is your challenge”, said Alonso, “It is probably like an aeroplane pilot”.

Fernando insists that the job of Formula One drivers has become more difficult to push for a race win as it will lead to lower efficiency of the car and that in turn will affect the race in long terms. “A lot of communication goes on with the team and a lot of steering wheel changes have to be made to make sure everything is running efficiently,” said the two time world champion.

In case you push harder for overtaking the car in front the fuel consumption increases and with no refuelling allowed, the teams put only a measured quantity for each race. Also driving and pushing hard, increases the tyre degradation and so even if you are faster for a lap or two, the tyre will lose grip quickly and make the car slower over a longer duration.

Alonso explained, “Even the lap time, if you lose half a second for five laps because you are not pushing, is not a bad idea because your tyres will be in perfect condition for coming laps and you will gain one second per lap afterwards”. Alsonso also added that, “This kind of racing is a little bit strange”.

Carlos Sainz Jr after the Monaco Grand Prix had said that the Formula One races are not physically as demanding as they used to be. Instead he said that the drivers had to face mental challenges which were horrible. Alonso added that he probably would agree with Sainz’s statement.

Alonso agreed to the fact that all these issues made driving really frustrating for a Formula One driver.
The debate about the driver’s role and how much are they really pushing for race wins had come into the limelight after the 17-year old rookie, Max Verstappen broke all shackles to amuse the spectators at the Monaco Grand Prix, with his aggressive drive.

Tags: F1, Fernando Alonso, Formula One, Monaco Grand Prix, Motorsport, Motorsports