Toto Wolff has responded to the striking speech by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The FIA chief said in Madrid that he wants to do everything possible to keep Fernando Alonso in Formula 1. Wolff agrees with Ben Sulayem that the regulations can be adjusted somewhat to help struggling Honda even more. “I find the conversation the president had with Alonso quite reasonable,” said the Mercedes team principal.
Read more Reconstruction: Wild F1 strike in 1982: It remains quiet at Kyalami, drivers have disappeared…
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem gave a striking speech during the race weekend at the Madring. At the New Economy Forum in the Spanish capital, the chief said he wants to prevent Fernando Alonso from leaving Formula 1 due to the current regulations. “We cannot afford for Fernando, a great champion, to leave just because of the circumstances,” said the chief, who immediately revealed how the governing body already made changes to the engine regulations in May for Aston Martin.
Wolff supports Ben Sulayem’s plan
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was asked in Madrid about the statements of the FIA president. According to the Austrian, the much-discussed ADUO scheme (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) can be used to further help Honda. “The ADUO is intended as a catch-up mechanism for Honda,” said the team principal. “But they need even more. I find the conversation the president had with Alonso quite reasonable.” The Japanese engine supplier is working with Aston Martin for the first time this season. After fourteen Grands Prix, the British team is second to last in the constructors’ championship with three world championship points.
Read more Andrea Stella finds a peculiar problem with Oscar Piastri: ‘He drives and thinks’
“You know, we want to have all these top constructors in the sport,” Wolff continues. “We want them to be competitive and successful. And rules are meant to achieve the best for the sport. Sometimes an adjustment might be necessary. So it is a justified conversation.” Alonso said in his own response to the FIA president’s speech that he has not yet made a decision about his future in Formula 1.
Read everything about the Azerbaijan GP here
NOW ONLINE: 45 pages Race Special GP Spain: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis and interview!
Read more Official Formula 1 calendar 2027 announced: number of sprint races increases to ten
