In a sport where emotions run as high as the RPMs, Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso has never been one to mince his words. And when the going gets tough, Alonso sometimes vents directly to the pinnacle of F1’s regulatory body – none other than FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Recounting a rather colorful interaction, Ben Sulayem shared with Spanish newspaper AS, “When he gets angry he calls me. ‘Boss! President!’ Then he says some swear words.” But it’s not just fiery words that Ben Sulayem hears. “I wait for him to finish and I tell him he’s putting the rappers to shame with those words.”
However, this candid revelation isn’t just a tale of passionate outbursts. Ben Sulayem, deeply rooted in the racing world himself, understands the essence behind this fervour. “We are both drivers and I understand the frustrations they have,” he empathizes.
Alonso, at the ripe age of 42, remains a force to be reckoned with on the grid. And his value, according to the FIA president, transcends his racecraft. “He is really good at this sport because he also talks, he has good ideas and he brings enormous value to F1,” Ben Sulayem praises.
The Spanish driver’s journey, from his debut to his hiatus and triumphant return, echoes resilience and commitment, making him an embodiment of passion for the sport. “He was in Formula 1, he left, he came back and he is as strong as ever,” Ben Sulayem noted, cementing Alonso’s stature not just as a champion, but a “truly intelligent champion.”
On another note, after laying low post some initial controversies this season, Ben Sulayem is now actively championing for one more team on the grid, emphasizing the sport’s growth and appeal. “We need teams as good as General Motors and Andretti,” he asserted.
Ben Sulayem finds himself pushing against the currents of the Formula One Management (FOM) and the existing teams. Not mincing words, he pointed out FOM’s primary concern. “FOM think about stocks, right? Well, when we announced Andretti, the share price went up.” His argument is clear – the inclusion of teams with the stature and reputation of General Motors and Andretti isn’t just about expanding the grid; it’s about enhancing the sport’s overall value.
He acknowledged the concerns of existing teams, understanding that a new entry might mean a smaller share of the proverbial pie. However, in Ben Sulayem’s view, what’s essential is the added value to the sport and the bigger picture, “The others lose a piece of the pie, but value is added to the sport.”
Looking ahead, the FIA president believes that such powerhouse entrants will bolster the sport’s fanbase. With a hint of challenge in his tone, he posed, “Look at 2026 – do you think Audi would want to enter F1 to be humiliated?”
