Lewis Hamilton echoes Fernando Alonso’s energy concerns at one of Silverstone’s most iconic corners

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Fernando Alonso has shared his concerns over one of the most iconic corners on the F1 calendar being reduced to a mere “charging station” at this weekend’s British Grand Prix due to the current regulations.

The Silverstone circuit has been a staple on the F1 calendar since it hosted the very first Grand Prix of the world championship back in 1950. Of course, the layout has changed significantly since then, but it is held in very high regard in the hearts of keen F1 fans.

What makes the 3.660-mile-long circuit so special is the sheer speed that the circuit demands drivers to attack each corner with. However, in the current landscape of the sport, the iconic circuit is now more of a hindrance for drivers rather than a treat.

That’s because there are very few hard braking zones at Silverstone. This means that each driver will need to be on top of their energy management in order to get the most out of their F1 car this weekend.

As such, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is expecting Becketts (turns 11 and 12) to be a “charging station” for drivers as they prepare to slingshot down the Hangar Straight and into Stowe.

• READ MORE: How every corner at Silverstone got its name including iconic Copse, Maggotts and Becketts

Fernando Alonso expects a ‘sad’ British Grand Prix for F1 drivers due to energy concerns

During the Aston Martin star’s media duties ahead of the British Grand Prix, he predicted a very difficult race weekend for everyone on the grid as they battle against energy starvation on a circuit that demands full-throttle racing for around 70% of the lap.

“I think this year is going to be very different and not fun to drive,” he said via comments collected by The Race. “The cars, looking at the simulator lap and things like that, are going to be quite sad, I think, for drivers, but also for the spectators, and vice versa.”

Concerns over the current engine formula had seemingly subsided in recent weekends, largely in part to the fact that the F1 calendar had taken the grid to circuits that hadn’t relied on sheer engine power.

All four of the most recent race weekends have featured corners that succeed heavy braking zones, offering the grid ample opportunity to recharge their battery for the ensuing straights.

However, this weekend’s British Grand Prix, as well as the following Belgian Grand Prix, are expected to rehash the same concerns that saw Max Verstappen label the 2026 ruleset as “anti-racing”.

• READ MORE: Six unforgettable British Grand Prix moments from Schumacher controversy to Hamilton dominating in the rain

Lewis Hamilton echoes Fernando Alonso’s concerns about energy management at British GP

Lewis Hamilton also shared the same concerns as Alonso regarding Becketts, highlighting how the whole run from Copse corner to Stowe will not “feel the same”.

“Honestly, I think it’s going to be huge,” he told journalists, via the British publication. “If you look at the speed traces, we start losing deployment going into Copse.

“Normally, the engine’s screaming as you’re going into Copse, and you’re holding on for dear life as you go through there flat out. This year, the engine will be coasting down, most likely will be downshifting while full throttle, trying to keep the engine revs higher.

“It’ll be a long, long straight with no deployment, basically. Then Maggotts and Becketts are not going to feel the same because I think you have to lift and coast or something through there for a period of time. So it’s just a completely different track.

“We’ll see tomorrow. No doubt we’ll still get to enjoy it through certain elements of the track where you’re not power limited, but the best part of the track is those Maggotts and Becketts and Copse and Stowe.”