FIA president vows to convince Fernando Alonso to stay in F1 for 2027

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has vowed to convince Fernando Alonso to stay in F1 for 2027, insisting the two-time champion should not walk away because of Aston Martin's current struggles.

Why it matters:

Alonso's future is one of the paddock's biggest storylines. The 45-year-old has not yet confirmed his 2027 plans after a difficult campaign with Aston Martin, who have slipped towards the rear of the field under F1's new technical regulations. He also holds an option to race for the team in the World Endurance Championship next year.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem's plea: "There is no way we can allow Fernando, a great champion, to leave just because of the circumstances. That's not the way to leave the stage."
• Team changes coming: The FIA president met Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix and is pushing for changes to improve the team's fortunes.
• Honda boost: Ben Sulayem pointed to the FIA's ADUO system revisions, which give struggling manufacturers extra development resources, as a direct measure to help Honda.
• Direct appeal: He plans to speak with Alonso personally: "I said to him, 'Fernando, it's not acceptable that you are coming to your country, a two-time world champion, and you are last.'"

What's next:

Ben Sulayem is determined Alonso leaves on his own terms, not through circumstance. With changes being pushed at Aston Martin and Honda gaining extra development opportunities via the ADUO tweaks, there is renewed hope the Spaniard can be persuaded to fight on for another season.