By: In recent days, during the weekend at the new Madrid circuit, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile attracted particular attention following a public statement made by Ben Sulayem at an event held by the New Economy Forum, organised alongside the F1 event.
Being in Spain, the conversation naturally turned to Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin’s disappointing form and the possible retirement of the now 45-year-old driver. What was most surprising about the FIA president’s remarks was not his praise for a driver who has genuinely given body and soul to the world of motorsport, while receiving far less than he truly deserved. No, it was not that, but one highly delicate passage that literally left us open-mouthed.
A serious misstep
According to Ben Sulayem, it is unacceptable to see Fernando fighting at the back of the field, a view that is also understandable, and he said he had taken action in May by changing the ADUO regulations to allow Honda to recover more quickly after its winter disaster. Making that kind of admission in public is far from ideal, although it could still somehow be defended. But then… Sulayem said he had asked Alonso to outline his wishes, to let him know what he needs to return to fighting at the front. Even more worryingly, the FIA president said he was ready to meet his requests (read the interview here).
These remarks encapsulate what could be described as a serious misstep. It appeared as though the FIA was putting the interests of an individual, or at least a small group of people – Aston Martin-Honda in this case – ahead of those of the sport. Statements of this kind damage the category’s credibility. Why should Alonso receive different treatment from everyone else? Why help Aston Martin catch Mercedes and not the others too? These are legitimate questions that a fan will, rightly, ask sooner or later.
F1 does not need special treatment
Fortunately, as Sulayem himself said, the regulatory help came through several changes to the ADUO regulations. Changes that ultimately affected not only Honda, but all the other manufacturers as well.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem probably wanted to express his support for Fernando Alonso during the difficult period he is going through and, in the sporting interest of seeing him race for a few more years and at a high level, made an unintended gaffe. At least, that is our hope.
Special treatment is unwelcome in any sphere, least of all in Formula 1. If action is to be taken, it must always be taken in the name of the collective, never for an individual. Otherwise, the sport suffers.
Cover and in-article photos by Luca Martini / WHYOUT Images
