FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem comments on Fernando Alonso contract status
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 5:07 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated in Madrid on Friday that it would be unacceptable for Fernando Alonso to retire from Formula 1 due to current performance struggles. The 45-year-old two-time world champion is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of this season and has not confirmed his future plans. Aston Martin currently sits 10th in the championship standings, hampered by an uncompetitive car and a lack of engine power from partner Honda. Ben Sulayem suggested he would discuss potential performance improvements with the driver, specifically referencing the Formula 1 additional development and upgrade opportunities (Aduo) system. An FIA spokesperson clarified that the comments regarding engine development processes were intended to support the driver and expressed hope that he remains in the sport. Alonso previously noted that he would not make an immediate decision regarding his career path.
- •Fernando Alonso is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of the current season.
- •Aston Martin is ranked 10th in the championship with only three points scored this year.
- •The FIA president mentioned the Aduo system as a legal mechanism for teams to improve engine performance.
- •Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed a desire for the champion driver to continue competing in the sport.
- 5:07 PMYahoo Sports — Alonso cannot leave F1 while uncompetitive - FIA boss
- 5:03 PMBBC Sport — Alonso cannot leave F1 while uncompetitive - FIA boss
"FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it would be "not acceptable" for Fernando Alonso to leave F1 while he is in an uncompetitive position.
"FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it would be "not acceptable" for Fernando Alonso to leave F1 while he is in an uncompetitive position.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 5:07 PMAlonso cannot leave F1 while uncompetitive - FIA boss
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it would be "not acceptable" for Fernando Alonso to leave F1 while he is in an uncompetitive position.
- BBC SportSep 11, 2026, 5:03 PMAlonso cannot leave F1 while uncompetitive - FIA boss
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it would be "not acceptable" for Fernando Alonso to leave F1 while he is in an uncompetitive position.
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