Fernando Alonso stated upon his arrival in Madrid that the crucial factor in deciding whether he will remain in Formula One will not be the competitiveness of his car, but how the cars will evolve in 2027 to become more entertaining. Those words reached the right ears: Mohammed Ben Sulayem has rolled up his sleeves to win Alonso over.
During his participation at the New Economy Forum, Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, asserted that he cannot allow Alonso to retire under these circumstances, and he pledged to meet with him and his team to understand what changes are needed for him to stay. The most worrying detail is that Ben Sulayem says he saw Alonso looking very sad.
Ben Sulayem says he sees Alonso “very sad” about the situation
Fernando Alonso triggered alarms in the run-up to the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Asturian driver claimed that retirement is a very real option, even noting that he already has alternatives outside Formula 1 prepared, such as racing the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the full World Endurance Championship with Aston Martin, in the Valkyrie.
Well, the FIA did not delay in reacting. And it did so through its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The Emirati leader stated that “we cannot allow Fernando Alonso to retire under these circumstances,” and he has shown himself willing to discuss whatever is necessary with both him and his team.
Ben Sulayem took part in the New Economy Forum, where he expressed concerns about Alonso’s retirement. Specifically because he says that “I have seen him very sad.” In fact, Ben Sulayem recounts that he met with Alonso and told him a line: “Tell me what you need us to do to improve performance.”
Indeed, Ben Sulayem has already begun with the meetings, as he himself has recounted. The FIA president revealed that “I met yesterday with Lawrence Stroll and I will speak today with Fernando to try to change his mind.” Ben Sulayem believes Alonso “has to stay, win, and then he can leave whenever he wants.”
The FIA has already announced changes to the technical regulations for the upcoming season, but the question remains whether they will amount to more than a cosmetic tweak. Regarding those adjustments, Ben Sulayem notes that “we made changes, legally, in May, so that the team and the engine would improve.” Now the burden is on Alonso’s shoulders.
It is not the first sign of good rapport between Alonso and Ben Sulayem in recent years. Now we will see whether it is enough to persuade the Spaniard.
Images | FIA, Aston Martin
