FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that it is "not acceptable" for two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso to leave the sport while in an uncompetitive position. Ben Sulayem conveyed this sentiment directly to Alonso, expressing understanding of the driver's apparent sadness over recent performance.
Ben Sulayem indicated that the FIA has taken steps to address engine performance, referencing the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (Aduo) system. This system allows engine manufacturers whose power units are assessed to be more than 2% behind the best to upgrade their designs. An FIA spokesperson clarified that Ben Sulayem's comments were specifically about the Aduo process and his hope that Alonso remains in Formula 1.
When pressed on whether Ben Sulayem's statements suggested an overreach of his authority as the head of an independent governing body, the spokesperson suggested that the FIA president's remarks should not be read into too deeply. The spokesperson described Ben Sulayem as passionate about drivers, citing his own past as a competitor.