Steiner: No One 'Deserves' Anything in F1, Slams Ben Sulayem's Alonso Comments

Guenther Steiner has taken aim at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over his suggestion that Fernando Alonso deserves help from the governing body, insisting that no driver or team has a right to success in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Ben Sulayem's comments have blurred the line between the FIA's role as rulemaker and the teams' responsibility for their own performance. Steiner's criticism highlights a growing concern about the president's willingness to intervene in sporting matters.

The Details:

• Ben Sulayem said it was "not acceptable" to see two-time champion Alonso struggling with Aston Martin, and offered to speak with him about improving the situation.
• The FIA later clarified the remarks referred to the additional development and upgrade opportunities (ADUO) system.
• Steiner's response: Appearing on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner argued that no one is entitled to anything in F1. "Nobody deserves to be there or be anywhere. You need to work to be there," he said.
• He also pointed to Cadillac, which remains pointless in its debut season, as a counter-example. "They need a lot more help than Aston Martin, but Aston Martin can help themselves."

The Big Picture:

The controversy underscores a fundamental principle: the FIA sets the framework, while teams and drivers must deliver within it. For Alonso, his future remains a personal and contractual decision, but Steiner is adamant that past achievements should not trigger special treatment.

What's next:

Alonso's contract expires at the end of 2026, with retirement or a move both options. Whether Ben Sulayem's intervention changes anything remains to be seen, but Steiner's blunt assessment leaves no doubt that the responsibility lies with Aston Martin.