FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has sung the praises of Fernando Alonso, with him labelling the Spaniard as a “true example for young drivers”.
Alonso has enjoyed a long career which is far from over, as he’s contracted to Aston Martin until the end of 2024.
The Spaniard made his rookie appearance all the way back in 2001, before claiming his two world titles in 2005 and 2006 for Renault.
It was the 42-year-old who was responsible for ending Michael Schumacher’s dominance, highlighting his talent.
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Alonso has been successful not just in Formula 1 though, as he left the series at the end of 2018 to compete in the World Endurance Championship, where he won the Le Mans 24 Hours.
He remarkably returned to F1 with Alpine in 2021, before switching to Aston Martin for this season.
His age certainly hasn’t slowed him down, as proven by the fact that he’s claimed seven podiums this season alone.
Ben Sulayem is an enormous fan of the Aston Martin driver and labels him as a “truly intelligent champion”, who even calls the FIA president “when he gets angry”.
The FIA president views Alonso as an exceptional role model for younger drivers and as someone who “brings enormous value” to F1, something he certainly does given how competitive he still is despite his age.
“Fernando is a true example for young drivers,” Ben Sulayem is quoted as having said to Spanish outlet AS.
“He was in Formula 1, he left, he came back and he is as strong as ever. That is very complicated, F1 is extreme.
“He’s not just a champion, he’s smart. I’m not saying that others aren’t but Fernando is a truly intelligent champion, good for the sport.
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“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.”