FIA President's Surprise Plan to Keep Alonso in F1

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is working on a fresh set of rules concessions to accelerate Honda's progress — with the ultimate goal of keeping Fernando Alonso in Formula 1. The plan emerged at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Alonso's frustration with the current regulations and Aston Martin's competitive struggles have left his future in doubt.

Why it matters:

Alonso's exit would be a major blow for F1, removing one of its most recognizable and outspoken figures from the grid. Ben Sulayem is equally worried about Honda's position: if the Japanese manufacturer remains stuck, the sport could lose both a two-time champion and an engine supplier — a double loss F1 can't afford.

The details:

• Earlier this year, the FIA secured unanimous agreement from all manufacturers to grant Honda extra assistance under the ADUO catch-up mechanism.
• That package unlocked additional test bench hours and a $19 million spending allowance, though part of it was structured as a theoretical loan against Honda's future development budget.
• Fresh options now being explored include further homologation freedoms, extra spending allowances, and targeted rule changes in areas where Honda feels progress is limited.
• Any formal change requires support from rival manufacturers, who previously showed willingness to set self-interest aside.
• Ben Sulayem met Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll on Thursday at the Spanish GP and plans further talks with Alonso in Madrid.

Ben Sulayem revealed that a conversation with Alonso at Monza sparked his push. "I saw him very sad," he said. "I said, Fernando, I understand that it's not acceptable that you are coming to your own country, and then now, after two times being the world champion, you are in the last place."

"I said to him, I'm not going to tell you what we are going to do. Please tell me what you want!"

The FIA president was emphatic about Alonso's future: "There's no way we can allow Fernando to leave. He has to be successful, and then he leaves whenever he wants, not because he was forced to leave because of the performance."

Alonso, meanwhile, hinted at regulatory tweaks beyond the already-confirmed fuel flow increase. "I still have some hope that next year's rule will still have to be tweaked again, that this is not the final version," he said on Thursday.

Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack said Alonso's decision depends on many factors. "I think he made clear that it is not one single thing that he wants to see change," Krack explained. "I think the sport needs someone like that. I think we will all be keen to see Fernando continue. And what can be done to accommodate, I think it will be done."

What's next:

Ben Sulayem is determined to push the package through, viewing it as a win for F1 as a whole. With further talks planned in Madrid, the coming weeks will decide whether the concessions can be formalized — and whether Alonso's F1 story continues.