FIA President Urges Fernando Alonso Not To Quit F1 Amid Aston Martin Struggles

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it would be “not acceptable” for Fernando Alonso to walk away from Formula 1 while stuck in an uncompetitive position.

Ben Sulayem Calls Alonso’s Situation “Not Acceptable”

Alonso, 45, is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of the season and has said he will decide whether to continue in Formula 1 “not soon”, leaving his future uncertain.

Aston Martin have endured a difficult year, sitting 10th in the constructors’ standings with a car lacking performance. Their Honda‑supplied power unit is currently the weakest on the grid, compounding the team’s struggles.

Ben Sulayem said at an event in Madrid that Alonso should not feel forced out by poor results: “There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave… He has to be successful and then he leaves whenever he wants, not because he was forced to leave because of the performance.”

The FIA president added that he had spoken to Alonso after noticing his frustration: “I saw him very sad… it’s not acceptable that you are coming to your own country and now after two times a world champion…”

Ben Sulayem said he asked Alonso directly what support he wanted from the governing body to help improve the situation.

Clarification Over FIA Intervention

An FIA spokesperson later clarified that Ben Sulayem was referring to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (Aduo) system.

Under this framework, engine manufacturers more than 2% behind the best-performing power unit are granted extra development allowances.

“It is a comment about the Aduo process and that he hopes Fernando Alonso stays in the sport,” the spokesperson said.

When asked whether Ben Sulayem’s comments suggested he might intervene beyond his remit, the spokesperson downplayed the interpretation, saying he was simply “passionate about the drivers, having been one himself”.

Alonso has not indicated when he will decide his future, but Aston Martin’s form - and Honda’s engine deficit - remain central to the discussion.

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