FIA President Vows to Keep Fernando Alonso in F1 Amid Aston Martin WEC Rumors

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has passionately declared that Formula 1 cannot afford to lose Fernando Alonso, urging the two-time world champion to remain in the sport rather than jump ship to the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The bold intervention comes as Alonso's frustrations with Aston Martin's lack of performance during the grueling 2026 season have sparked intense rumors regarding a transition to the team's Valkyrie Hypercar project.

A Champion's Dilemma

Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem expressed grave concern over the prospect of the 45-year-old Spaniard walking away from the pinnacle of motorsport on a low note. "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave just because of the circumstances," Ben Sulayem told attendees. The FIA chief insisted that a driver of Alonso's caliber should only bow out after achieving further success, rather than being forced out by a struggling car.

Alonso's 2026 campaign with Aston Martin has been plagued by a difficult adaptation to the new technical regulations. With the team languishing in the midfield, the veteran driver's body language has noticeably shifted. Ben Sulayem noted that during recent paddock encounters, he could sense a deep sadness in the two-time champion, prompting him to personally intervene and speak with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll.

The Allure of the World Endurance Championship

As Alonso weighs his options, the World Endurance Championship presents a deeply tempting alternative. Aston Martin is actively competing in the Hypercar class with its highly anticipated Valkyrie, a project with roots tied to legendary designer Adrian Newey. When asked directly by media earlier this week if the WEC was a viable option for his post-F1 career, Alonso gave a simple, declarative "yes".

The Spaniard is no stranger to endurance racing glory. He previously secured two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and clinched the 2018–19 FIA World Endurance Championship title with Toyota. A return to the discipline, this time spearheading Aston Martin's assault on the Circuit de la Sarthe, would offer a romantic and potentially highly competitive twilight to his illustrious career.

Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations

Despite the WEC rumors, Ben Sulayem remains adamant that Alonso's current place is firmly within the Formula 1 paddock. The FIA president revealed that he has urged Stroll to make the necessary changes to the team's infrastructure and car development to give Alonso a fighting chance. "I will talk to him to try to make him change his mind. It's not acceptable," Ben Sulayem summarized, emphasizing that Alonso's credibility and intelligence are vital assets to the sport's global appeal.

Whether Ben Sulayem's public backing and backstage lobbying will be enough to keep Alonso in a Formula 1 cockpit remains to be seen. The Aston Martin driver has stated there is no immediate rush to finalize his 2027 plans, telling reporters that he prefers to see how the remainder of the season unfolds before making a definitive call on his racing future.

The Editor's Take

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's vocal intervention underscores a rare vulnerability at the heart of Formula 1: the sport's reliance on its heritage superstars. While the FIA president's desire to keep Alonso on the grid is understandable, true champions are driven by the machinery they are given, not just by executive flattery. If Aston Martin cannot quickly decipher the 2026 regulations and deliver a car worthy of Alonso's relentless talent, no amount of boardroom pleading will prevent him from seeking victory elsewhere—and the Valkyrie is waiting.