Fernando Alonso delivers verdict on FIA president after "rough" start

Ewan Gale
Tuesday 14 June 2022 09:30

Fernando Alonso has declared full trust in the FIA under Mohammed Ben Sulayem's presidency despite a "rough" start to his tenure.

Ben Sulayem took over the helm from Jean Todt in December and has overseen a structural change in F1's governing body as a direct result of the controversy seen in Abu Dhabi last year.

The sport is now under the watchful eyes of two alternating race directors, but the current campaign has already been filled with drivers complaining of inconsistencies in decision-making.

Other controversies include a clampdown on jewellery and underwear, as well as the Monaco race director's briefing notes contradicting the International Sporting Code with regard to pit-exit regulations.

Asked to assess the FIA's handling of the sport this year, two-time champion Alonso insisted: "I have full trust in the FIA president.

"At the moment, things are maybe a little rough and we have seen a few things where they have not been as consistent as we would wish for or as we ask for.

"There is room to improve, yes, but I have full trust in the FIA president and he will fix the things that need to be fixed."

Leclerc calls for FIA improvement

Ferrari driver and championship challenger Charles Leclerc echoed the sentiments of the two-time F1 champion with regard to the overall lack of consistency to date.

"Speaking on the sporting side, I think I would want a bit more consistency and this is where we need to improve," said Leclerc.

"Whether it will improve or not I don't know. As Fernando said, there is room for improvement, we just need to make things better."