Full Breakdown
FIA President Pushes to Keep Double Champion Fernando Alonso in Formula 1
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Sulayem’s Campaign to Retain Alonso
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said it is “not acceptable” for two-time world champion Fernando Alonso to leave Formula 1 while Aston Martin struggles for competitiveness. Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid, Sulayem pledged to use his authority to “do the changes” needed to keep the Spaniard on the grid and confirmed private discussions with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll. A further meeting with Alonso was scheduled for the weekend of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Alonso’s 2026 Season Performance
Alonso has scored three points from 13 races in 2026, with a tenth-place finish at Monaco and a ninth at Zandvoort as his best results. The under-performance of the Aston Martin AMR26, designed by Adrian Newey and powered by a Honda unit, has driven his contemplation of a move to the World Endurance Championship.
Regulatory Adjustments Aimed at Power-Unit Competitiveness
In May the FIA announced tweaks to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system to aid power-unit manufacturers that fall behind the benchmark. An extra category was added for units up to 10 % slower than the best-performing engine, raising allocated test-bench hours from 190 to 230. Financial regulations now permit a downward adjustment of US$11 million for a manufacturer more than 10 % off the benchmark in its inaugural season. These changes target struggling manufacturers such as Honda.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sulayem reiterated that discussions with Lawrence Stroll have taken place and that the FIA will act to address the car’s lack of pace.
- He noted that the ADUO system now provides additional development opportunities for power-unit manufacturers more than 2 % behind the leading unit.
Verbatim Quote
- “There is no way we can allow Fernando, a great champion, to leave … because of the circumstances. He has to be successful, and then he leaves whenever he wants. But not because he was forced to leave because of the performance.” — Ben Sulayem, FIA spokesperson
What’s Next
Sulayem indicated he will meet Alonso again during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend to discuss concrete steps the FIA can take to improve Aston Martin’s competitiveness and persuade the champion to remain in Formula 1. No specific timetable for the proposed regulatory or technical changes has been announced.