Fernando Alonso Says Suzuka Is Becoming ‘Boring’ Like Monaco: F1 Now Decided in Qualifying

Fernando Alonso Says Suzuka Is Becoming the New Monaco: 'The Race Is Won on Saturday'

The legendary Suzuka Circuit in Japan, long admired for its technical challenges and high-speed curves, may be losing some of its Sunday thrill. That’s according to two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who compared the track to Monaco in terms of how difficult it has become to overtake during races.

Alonso made the remarks following a quiet Japanese Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen led from pole to checkered flag with little drama in between. The lack of overtaking action has become a recurring issue at Suzuka — a track once known for unpredictable racing.

“This is Suzuka. I don’t remember a race where we saw too many overtakes unless the weather changed,” said Alonso, who placed 11th for Aston Martin.

He also pointed out the contrast between expectations and reality: “Every Thursday, we praise how amazing Suzuka and Monaco are. Then by Sunday, we’re asking what can be done to fix them.”

Formula 1 officials have already taken steps to revamp Monaco by introducing two mandatory pit stops starting in 2025. However, Alonso fears Suzuka is already following a similar path — where qualifying determines everything.

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur expressed similar concerns, warning that F1 is drifting toward becoming a "qualifying world championship" if tracks like Suzuka and Shanghai continue to make overtaking nearly impossible.

Statistically, the numbers back that up: 2024 saw 70 fewer overtakes than the previous season, even with more races. In 2025, all four events (including one sprint race) have been won from pole.

Alonso noted that tyre strategy also plays a role in the quality of racing. “Maybe one stop wasn’t what we were hoping for,” he said, reflecting on the race. “When we don’t have grip, we complain. When tyres don’t last, we also complain.”

Despite the issues, the Spaniard emphasized the excitement that qualifying still brings: “Saturday at Suzuka is pure adrenaline.”

The Japanese Grand Prix kicked off a triple-header in the 2025 calendar, with the Bahrain GP and Saudi Arabia GP following in quick succession.