Fernando Alonso swears at FIA chief in angry phone calls over F1 frustrations

24 October 2023 , 12:43

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Fernando Alonso can lose his cool from time to time (Image: Getty Images)

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem claims that Fernando Alonso 'swears down the phone' at him when he's angry about Formula 1.

Alonso, 42, is the oldest driver on the grid but has no plans to retire. The two-time world champion is enjoying a stellar season in F1, sitting fourth in the championship. He is seven places above team-mate Lance Stroll and could still pip Lewis Hamilton to third.

Although Alonso is F1's most experienced driver, he still gets angry from time to time. Yet Ben Sulayem, who is a former race driver himself, understands the "frustration of drivers" and is more than happy to hear Alonso's complaints when his anger erupts.

Ben Sulayem has described Alonso as someone who "brings enormous value to the sport". Alonso initially left F1 after the 2018 campaign - becoming a two-time Le Mans champion - but returned in 2021 to drive for Alpine before joining Aston Martin.

Ben Sulayem spoke about Alonso in an interview with Spanish outlet AS. The FIA chief said: "Fernando is a true example for young drivers. He was in F1, he left, he came back and he is as strong as ever. That is very complicated, F1 is extreme.

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

"But we are drivers and I understand the frustration of drivers. 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."

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem has opened up on his chats with Alonso (Getty Images)

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Alonso's value to Aston Martin is also enormous. The Spaniard has achieved seven podiums this season to leave his team fifth in the Constructors' Championship. Thanks to Alonso's efforts, they remain in touching distance of a rampant McLaren team in fourth.

Aston Martin's form has dipped in the second half of the campaign. Alonso went out in Q1 ahead of the United States Grand Prix at the weekend and described it as a "terrible session". He then failed to complete Sunday's race, with Stroll in seventh.

Yet Alonso is confident Aston Martin and Stroll can improve in 2024. Stroll, who is the son of team owner Lawrence, is under significant pressure to repay his father's faith next season. A strong finish in the final four races of this season would help his cause.

Alonso said at the US GP: "We are all helping him (Stroll). I'm trying to do my best as well... Whatever difficulty that he's expressing, I'm trying to remember what could have been a help for me in the past, or in set up or whatever. So yeah, we are working very close together to find the right path for the team, and try to score points with both cars."

Tom Blow