Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1 has always depended heavily on the car but expects the FIA to improve the 2026 regulations in the coming years.

Fernando Alonso has softened his criticism of Formula 1’s 2026 regulations, saying the sport has always relied heavily on the quality of the car rather than the driver alone. While the Aston Martin veteran still believes improvements are needed, he remains optimistic that the FIA will continue refining the current rules.

The two-time world champion expects future regulation updates to address several of the issues teams and drivers have identified during the first season under the new power unit era.

Alonso Says the Car Has Always Been the Biggest Factor

Speaking after the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso argued that Formula 1 has never been determined solely by driver talent.

According to the Spaniard, differences in traction, race starts, and corner exits have always depended heavily on each team’s engineering rather than individual driving ability.

He pointed out that throughout his 25-year Formula 1 career, some teams consistently produced cars that launched better than others regardless of which driver was behind the wheel.

Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1 performance has always depended heavily on each team’s car.

Battery Management Still Needs Improvement

Although Alonso defended the traditional importance of car performance, he acknowledged that the 2026 regulations have introduced new challenges.

The increased reliance on electric power and battery deployment has become one of the biggest talking points this season, with several drivers raising concerns about energy management during races.

Alonso believes those aspects still require refinement but noted that discussions about future engine changes have already begun.

Alonso says battery management remains one of the key areas that should improve under the current regulations.

Confidence in the FIA’s Long-Term Direction

Despite the criticism, Alonso remains confident that Formula 1 is moving in the right direction.

He highlighted that the FIA and manufacturers are already discussing adjustments for future seasons, including changes to the balance between combustion engines and electric power.

For Alonso, the willingness to evolve the regulations demonstrates that the sport recognizes its current limitations and is committed to improving the racing product.

The Aston Martin driver expects Formula 1 regulations to continue evolving over the coming seasons.

Alonso Expects Formula 1 to Continue Improving

While debate surrounding the 2026 technical regulations continues, Alonso believes the sport will eventually find the right balance between performance, technology, and competition.

Rather than focusing only on current shortcomings, the Spaniard says he is optimistic that Formula 1’s future rule changes will create a stronger and more competitive championship.

Audi has confirmed it will expand its hybrid lineup in the United States as the brand works to meet growing demand for electrified vehicles.

Audi is preparing to expand its hybrid lineup in the United States after acknowledging the growing demand for electrified vehicles. The announcement comes as the German automaker looks to strengthen its position in a market where hybrid sales continue to outpace fully electric vehicles.

According to Audi of America President Vito Paladino, the company is evaluating which models should receive hybrid powertrains to better meet customer demand.

Audi Plans a Bigger Hybrid Lineup

Speaking during the launch of the new Audi Q9, Paladino confirmed that additional hybrid models are on the way.

“We will have hybrids in our lineup,” he said, adding that Audi is reviewing which vehicle segments require electrified options.

The move comes after Audi reported lower U.S. sales during the first half of 2026, while electric vehicles represented only a small portion of the brand’s total deliveries.

Audi plans to expand its hybrid lineup in the United States over the coming years.

Competition Already Offers More Choices

Audi enters the expanding hybrid market later than several of its premium rivals.

Today:

• BMW offers multiple plug-in hybrid models, including the X5.
• Mercedes-Benz sells a broad range of plug-in hybrid SUVs.
• Lexus offers hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains across most of its lineup.

Audi currently has two confirmed hybrid performance models expected for the U.S. market:

• Audi Nuvolari
• Audi RS 5

However, the company is expected to introduce hybrid technology in higher-volume models to increase its competitiveness.

Audi aims to close the gap with premium rivals that already offer extensive hybrid lineups.

Best-Selling SUVs Could Receive Hybrid Power

Because Audi already offers hybrid technology in several global markets, the company may be able to bring additional electrified models to the United States without waiting for full redesigns.

Popular SUVs such as the Q5 are widely expected to receive plug-in hybrid variants, while Audi continues evaluating other models that could benefit from electrification.

The strategy allows the brand to respond more quickly to shifting consumer demand while leveraging hybrid technology already available within the Volkswagen Group.

Audi’s best-selling SUVs are expected to play a key role in the brand’s hybrid expansion.

Ferrari has confirmed its production is fully booked through 2027, with strong global demand driving orders despite an evolving model lineup.

Ferrari continues to break sales records. The Italian automaker has confirmed that its entire production through 2027 is already sold out, meaning customers placing a new order today will likely have to wait until 2028 for delivery.

Strong worldwide demand continues to fuel Ferrari’s success as the company expands its lineup with new models while retiring others.

Ferrari’s Order Books Are Completely Full

Ferrari says demand remains strong across every major market. As a result, every available production slot through 2027 has already been reserved.

The company is currently ramping up deliveries of several new models, including:

• Ferrari Amalfi
• Ferrari 849 Testarossa
• Ferrari 296 Speciale
• Ferrari 296 Speciale A

Meanwhile, production of the 296 GTS, Roma Spider, and SF90 XX models is coming to an end as Ferrari prepares its next generation of vehicles.

Ferrari has confirmed that every production slot through 2027 has already been reserved.

Hybrid Models Continue to Gain Momentum

Ferrari delivered 6,802 vehicles during the first half of 2026. Although that figure is 285 units lower than last year, customer demand remains exceptionally strong.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa represented nearly half of total deliveries.

The brand’s current sales mix includes:

• 70% gasoline-powered models
• 30% hybrid models

Ferrari has also expanded its portfolio with the Handling Speciale package for the Purosangue and the recently introduced 12Cilindri Manuale, which sold out shortly after its unveiling.anuale, which immediately sold out after its debut.

Ferrari’s growing lineup of combustion and hybrid models continues attracting buyers worldwide.

More Ferrari Models Are Still on the Way

Ferrari promised to unveil five new models during 2026. So far, three have made their debut:

• Amalfi Spider
• Luce
• 12Cilindri Manuale

Additional launches are expected before the end of the year. Industry speculation points to a more track-focused 296 Speciale variant, while recent prototypes suggest an F80 Aperta could also arrive soon.

CEO Benedetto Vigna says Ferrari now offers the most complete lineup in the company’s history, giving customers more choices than ever while maintaining the brand’s exclusivity.

Ferrari is preparing more launches despite having its production sold out through 2027.