FIA president Ben Sulayem opens up on ‘angry’ call from Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso

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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes Fernando Alonso is a ‘true example’ for young talents and has opened up on the Aston Martin driver’s ‘angry’ phone call.

The 42-year-old has amazed Ben Sulayem with how Alonso is still competing at an excellent level since returning to Formula 1. He had some time away from the series in 2019 and 2020 after a tumultuous return to McLaren. But the Spaniard did not lose any speed, or his desire.

Alonso is still as determined as ever to succeed in Formula 1 and has reaped the benefits of his move to Aston Martin this year. The two-time world champion jumped ship from Alpine after two years to join the Silverstone squad. It has so far led him to seven podium finishes.

Aston Martin’s Alonso astounds FIA president Ben Sulayem in F1

Aston Martin emerged as Red Bull’s nearest rival at the start of 2023 with Alonso targeting a first Grand Prix win since May 2013. The victory did not materialise and the team have since fallen back down the order. But Alonso took six podium finishes in the first eight Grand Prix.

Three of his seven rostrums this year have also been P2 finishes in Monaco, Canada and the Netherlands. Alonso took P3 at the Bahrain, Saudi Arabian, Australian and Miami Grand Prix. His results even also have him fourth in the drivers’ standings ahead of the United States GP.

Alonso enjoyed his brief stint out of Formula 1, as well. He won the 24 Hours of Daytona and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for a second time in 2019. The Spaniard’s WEC adventure over the 2018/19 season with Toyota also resulted in the drivers’ title after sealing five race wins.

Ben Sulayem opens up on receiving ‘angry’ phone calls from Alonso

But what Alonso has enjoyed since returning to Formula 1 stuns FIA president Ben Sulayem. The Emirati former rally driver believes the 2005 and 2006 champion is a ‘true example’ for drivers hoping to make it to F1. Alonso also gives the sport ‘enormous’ value with his ideas.

Yet when things are not going so well in Formula 1, Alonso will let Ben Sulayem know. The FIA chief has now opened up on how the Spaniard will phone him and make his feelings clear.

“Fernando is a true example for young drivers,” Ben Sulayem told AS. “He was in Formula 1, he left, he came back and he is as strong as ever. That is very complicated, F1 is extreme.

“He’s not just a champion, he’s smart. I’m not saying that others aren’t but Fernando is a truly intelligent champion, good for the sport. When he gets angry, he calls me: ‘Boss! President!’. And he says some swear words.

“But we are pilots and I understand the frustration of pilots. He is really good at this sport, he talks, he has good ideas and he brings enormous value to the sport. Aside from his speed and the improvement he brings to the team, he is undeniable.”