FIA president essentially prepared to do whatever it takes to keep Fernando Alonso and Honda in F1.

While most of us want the two-time world champion to continue, or at least walk away on a high rather than the current mire he finds himself in, Mohammed ben Sulayem is prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to keep him... and, seemingly, the engine supplier that powers him. But in doing so risks an almighty row with rival teams and manufacturers.

Such is the FIA president's determination to keep Honda on board he seemingly is willing to grant further concessions to the Japanese giant in a bid to bring it up to a more competitive level.

"There is no way we can allow Fernando Alonso, a great champion, to leave, just because of the circumstances," said Ben Sulayem at the New Economy Forum in Madrid.

"That's not the way to leave the stage," he added. "He has to be successful and then he leaves whenever he wants, not because he was forced to leave with the performance."

Speaking at the driver press conference, Alonso was giving little away. Asked when we can expect an update on his plans for 2027 and beyond he simply replied: " Not soon."

Asked why the delay, he smiled and added: "Because I think it's nice, no?"

Pushed a little harder, he explained: "I think it's a matter of understanding what the rules from next year will have an impact or not on the racing and on the driving side of things.

"I think the current cars, as I said many times, are not the best cars to drive and to enjoy," he continued. "But next year there is a step, I think, in the right direction, hopefully.

"But, yes, at the same time, I need to think what is the best programme for next year and sit with the team. Behind the wheel or in another role, where I will be helping the most, that will be the most important thing to decide together."

Asked to elaborate on his feelings about the proposed changes to the regulations for 2027, he said: "I think it's a step in the right direction. If it's enough...

"You know, the cars will always reward to charge the batteries on the highest-speed corners and at the end of the straights because that's the optimal lap time. So, you know, because these power units, at one point in the lap you need to charge the batteries, and you will charge the batteries in the most problematic places for fun because it will be high-speed corners and end of the straights. So, against any driver input or pushing the limits of the car. But, in a way, I still have some hope that next year's rule will still have to be tweaked again, that this is not the final version."

Then, when asked, considering his determination to remain with Aston Martin, whether he could switch to its WEC programme, he replied: "Yes."

Aware of all this, Ben Sulayem revealed that he has met with team owner Lawrence Stroll to discuss the situation.

"I share the issues, the car is not performing," he said. "I met with the owner Lawrence yesterday and I am going to do the changes and I will talk to him (Alonso) to try to make him change his mind. It's not acceptable.

"I saw him very sad, and I said, 'Fernando, I understand. It's not acceptable that you are coming to your own country as a two times world champion and you are at the last'," said the FIA president.

Even more "not acceptable" was what Ben Sulayem then revealed.

"We did something earlier in May, legally, for the team, towards the engine, to go and improve," he said. "Then I said to him 'I'm not going to tell you what we are going to do. Please tell me what you want because you are the driver, tell me what do you want us to do to improve these results'."

Of course, steps have already been taken to help Honda, who of course weren't mentioned by either Alonso or Ben Sulayem, but clearly this is what the FIA president was referring to.

As president Ben Sulayem is meant to be neutral, and while one can understand wanting to keep one of the sport's great characters and drivers on board, manipulating the rules in order to appease him, and his engine supplier, is not the way to do it.

In the subsequent team representatives press conference, Mike Krack merely threw fuel on the fire.

"I think he made clear that it is not one single thing that he wants to see change," he said of Alonso. "I think the sport needs someone like that. I think we will all be keen to see Fernando continue.

"And what can be done to accommodate, I think it will be done. And then I hope we come to a good solution and continue."

Other than being a great driver and character, Alonso has a long history as a pretty shrewd politician, and one feels that the two-time world champion is using all these skills to engineer the result he wants.

Might be a good time to get the popcorn order in.