The landscape of Formula 1 has become tense after Guenther Steiner, former team principal of Haas, responded with criticism to the statements made by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. He suggested that the governing body of the competition could intervene to help Aston Martin keep Fernando Alonso in the competition during this difficult 2026 season.
Ben Sulayem, in line with his concern for Aston Martin’s current performance, stated that it is unacceptable for a double champion like Alonso to be out of competition. He expressed his intention to speak with the driver and added that his goal was to ensure that Alonso has the conditions to be competitive on his home turf.
Steiner, during an appearance on the _The Red Flags_ podcast, rejected the idea that the FIA should intervene in the team’s situation. According to him, ‘there is no duty to be anywhere’ and emphasized that Aston Martin must solve its own problems without waiting for external help. ‘Aston Martin needs to resolve this; it is not a federation problem,’ he asserted.
Steiner also referred to other teams that are struggling to improve, such as Cadillac, which in its first season in Formula 1 has yet to score points. ‘If Cadillac is not competing, should it ask for help?’, he questioned, indicating that the responsibility lies with the teams themselves to improve and find solutions to their challenges.
This situation comes at a critical time for Aston Martin, with Alonso’s contract ending this season and rumors of potential moves to Alpine or even his retirement from competition.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
