Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly challenged FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after the latter implied that Fernando Alonso’s recent form was driven by political considerations rather than pure performance. Steiner, speaking to the press after the Japanese Grand Prix, described Ben Sulayem’s remarks as “misguided” and “unfair” to both the driver and the sport.
Ben Sulayem, who has been under scrutiny for his handling of the sport’s governance, suggested in an interview with a Middle‑Eastern outlet that Alonso’s resurgence – highlighted by his podium finish in Japan – might be linked to the driver’s high‑profile status and the commercial interests of his team, Aston Martin. The FIA chief’s comments sparked a swift reaction on social media, with many fans and pundits questioning the neutrality of the governing body.
Steiner, who took over Haas in 2022, defended Alonso by pointing to the Spaniard’s consistent lap times, strategic overtakes, and the technical improvements made to the Aston Martin car over the past season. “Fernando has earned every position on track,” Steiner said, adding that “to suggest otherwise undermines the hard work of the entire paddock.” He also warned that such insinuations could set a dangerous precedent, where drivers are judged on perceived political affiliations rather than merit.
While the dispute is unlikely to affect the on‑track action, it adds another layer to the ongoing tension between the sport’s commercial interests and its regulatory body. The FIA has not issued a formal response to Steiner’s comments, but insiders say a meeting between the two parties is being arranged to smooth over the disagreement before the next race weekend in the United States.
For Indian fans: The next race is the United States Grand Prix at Austin on 20‑22 October. The event will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, starting at 02:30 IST on race day. Keep an eye on the post‑race press conference, where Steiner is expected to address the controversy again.
Source: Motorsport.com
