Fernando Alonso is currently the most veteran of the Formula 1 drivers, competing since 2001 – with some years off in between. Despite his age, he continues to be strong on the track and performs well when the equipment allows him to fight for top positions, but for the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the contribution of the two-time champion goes beyond that.
In an interview with the newspaper AS, the federation leader showered praise on the current Aston Martin driver: ‘Fernando is a true example for young drivers. He was in Formula 1, left, came back, and is as strong as ever. That is very complicated, F1 is extreme. Not only is he a true champion, he is intelligent. I’m not saying others aren’t, but Fernando is a true intelligent champion, good for the sport’.
And according to Ben Sulayem, Alonso doesn’t hold back when he feels something is wrong: ‘When he gets angry, he calls me: “Boss! President!” And he says some curse word. I hope it ends and I tell him: “Incredible, Fernando, you’re surpassing rappers by using that word”. And he laughs. But we are drivers and I understand the frustration of drivers. He is really good for this sport, he speaks up, has good ideas, and adds tremendous value to the sport. In addition to his speed and the improvement he brings to his team, which is undeniable. It’s something I will always say’.
