FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly warned that Fernando Alonso should not walk away from Formula 1 while he is still unable to compete at the front of the grid. Speaking to the BBC, Sulayem said it would be "not acceptable" for the two‑time world champion to leave the sport if he remains uncompetitive, underscoring the governing body’s desire to retain marquee talent even during down‑turns.
Alonso, now 42, joined Aston Martin for the 2024 season after a two‑year stint with Alpine. While his experience and racecraft are still highly regarded, the Spaniard has struggled to match the pace of the leading teams, often finishing outside the points. Sulayem’s comment comes at a time when the driver’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, with rumors of a possible move to endurance racing or even retirement circulating on social media.
The FIA chief’s remarks are not a formal contractual warning but rather a public statement of principle. "We want our sport to retain its biggest stars for as long as they can contribute on track," Sulayem told the BBC. "If a driver is still capable of delivering a competitive performance, it would be disappointing for the sport and its fans to see them step away prematurely." The comment also aligns with the FIA’s broader strategy to keep high‑profile drivers engaged, as they help drive viewership and sponsor interest, especially in emerging markets like India.
For Indian fans, the timing of this statement is crucial. The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 March will be the first race of the season, and Alonso will be looking to prove his pace. The race will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, starting at 04:30 IST. A strong showing could quiet doubts about his competitiveness and reinforce his place on the grid.
Should Alonso fail to deliver a competitive performance in the early rounds, the FIA’s warning may become a focal point for discussions about driver contracts, team strategies, and the future of veteran talent in the sport. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Spanish driver to see whether he can turn the narrative around before any exit rumors gain traction.
Source: BBC
