Guenther Steiner criticizes FIA president over Alonso retention comments
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 4:01 PM
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
Guenther Steiner has responded to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's remarks regarding Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso. Ben Sulayem stated that it was "not acceptable" for Alonso to leave amid Aston Martin's challenging 2026 season. Steiner's criticism highlights the tension between team officials and the governing body over driver retention strategies. The dispute emerges as the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, where Alonso's performance will be closely scrutinized.
- •Steiner condemns Ben Sulayem's comments on Alonso's situation.
- •Ben Sulayem seeks FIA intervention to help retain Alonso.
- •Aston Martin faces difficulties in the 2026 season.
- •The Spanish Grand Prix is upcoming, raising performance expectations.
- 8:27 AMYahoo Sports — Aston Martin speaks out after Ben Sulayem’s plan to keep Alonso in F1
- 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — FIA president under fire after stepping in over Alonso’s uncertain F1 future
- 3:12 PMMotorsport.com — Guenther Steiner fires back at Mohammed Ben Sulayem over Fernando Alonso remarks
"Honda trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara expressed his satisfaction with the concessions granted by the FIA regarding ADUO, following recent comments from president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin that sparked plenty of discussion. The FIA president has called for Alonso to be given the opportunity to decide when his Formula 1 career comes to an end, rather than seeing his future dictated by Aston Martin’s current difficulties.
"Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has heavily criticised suggestions from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem that the governing body could help Aston Martin to retain Fernando Alonso in the championship. Amid a torrid 2026 campaign so far for the Silverstone outfit, Ben Sulayem stated ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that it was "not acceptable" for the two-time champion to ...Keep reading
"Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner was unimpressed by recent remarks from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said he would be willing to assist Aston Martin in a bid to persuade Fernando Alonso to continue racing in Formula 1. Lawrence Stroll’s team is enduring a hugely challenging 2026 season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 8:27 AMAston Martin speaks out after Ben Sulayem’s plan to keep Alonso in F1
Honda trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara expressed his satisfaction with the concessions granted by the FIA regarding ADUO, following recent comments from president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin that sparked plenty of discussion. The FIA president has called for Alonso to be given the opportunity to decide when his Formula 1 career comes to an end, rather than seeing his future dictated by Aston Martin’s current difficulties.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 4:01 PMFIA president under fire after stepping in over Alonso’s uncertain F1 future
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner was unimpressed by recent remarks from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said he would be willing to assist Aston Martin in a bid to persuade Fernando Alonso to continue racing in Formula 1. Lawrence Stroll’s team is enduring a hugely challenging 2026 season.
- Motorsport.comSep 18, 2026, 3:12 PMGuenther Steiner fires back at Mohammed Ben Sulayem over Fernando Alonso remarks
Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has heavily criticised suggestions from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem that the governing body could help Aston Martin to retain Fernando Alonso in the championship. Amid a torrid 2026 campaign so far for the Silverstone outfit, Ben Sulayem stated ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that it was "not acceptable" for the two-time champion to ...Keep reading
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 6:24 PMLiam Lawson’s remarkable form is giving Red Bull a headache for 2027
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 6:03 PMWhy Rallye du Maroc Stays the Dakar Proving Ground
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 5:01 PMCharles Leclerc becomes a father ahead of F1's Sao Paulo Grand Prix
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 4:55 PM5 Features That Make Interlagos One of F1's Best Tracks
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 4:33 PMToto Wolff addresses his future at Mercedes after momentous Kimi Antonelli win
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 3:05 PMEsteban Ocon's F1 career may be ending, but his story is one of success