Fernando Alonso alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull Racing car? The dream of many Formula 1 fans. But the two-time and soon-to-be four-time world champion will not be driving for the Austrian outfit, at least not as long as Helmut Marko is in charge. The Red Bull motorsport consultant has now revealed why.
A move for Fernando Alonso to Red Bull Racing has been mooted in the recent and distant past. Earlier this year, the Spaniard was mentioned as a possible replacement for the then shaky Sergio Perez. However, Alonso has since made a statement by extending his contract with Aston Martin, quashing the rumours.
Throughout his storied Formula One career, Fernando Alonso has often revealed that Red Bull Racing made several attempts to sign him. These approaches, which span different phases of both Alonso’s career and Red Bull’s development, paint a fascinating picture of what might have been.
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First talks between Red Bull and Alonso
In a candid interview back in 2016, Alonso recalled a pivotal moment in his career when Red Bull Racing offered him a seat in their Adrian Newey-designed RB4 after his initial stint with McLaren.
“At the time, Red Bull was an energy drink, not a world championship team,” the Spaniard reflected, adding with a wry smile: “Nobody has a crystal ball!”
One can only speculate how the modern history of F1 might have unfolded had Alonso joined forces with Newey in 2008. At the time, an ageing David Coulthard was about to enter his final season in F1, partnered for a second year by Mark Webber.
However, the Milton Keynes-based outfit had an underwhelming season, finishing behind sister team Toro Rosso in the Constructors’ Championship. Toro Rosso, in particular, secured Red Bull’s first race win in a rain-soaked Italian Grand Prix with Sebastian Vettel at the wheel.
Had Alonso accepted Red Bull’s offer, Vettel’s meteoric rise could have been halted, changing the trajectory of both drivers’ careers. Instead of Vettel winning four consecutive world titles, it could have been Alonso on the podium.
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Alonso: “No regrets…”
Despite the missed opportunity, Alonso remains philosophical.
“I don’t regret any of my decisions because at the time my heart told me to make them and I’m happy with them. I would rather be a happy man than have two more trophies at home,” he reflected.
The Spanish driver’s career continued with stints at Renault, Ferrari and a return to McLaren, during which time Red Bull’s fortunes changed dramatically. By the early 2010s, Red Bull had become the dominant force in F1, winning four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with Sebastian Vettel.
It was during this period that Alonso revealed that Red Bull had approached him again. Recognising Alonso’s exceptional talent and racing ability, the team were keen to strengthen their line-up, despite already having a formidable driver in Vettel.
Alonso’s claimed rejection of Red Bull’s advances during this championship-winning era came as a surprise to many. He was at Ferrari at the time, a team synonymous with success but struggling to keep pace with Red Bull.
Even after his time at Ferrari, when he returned to McLaren in 2015, Alonso hinted that Red Bull had shown renewed interest in acquiring his services. Despite McLaren’s struggles and the lure of joining a winning team, Alonso has remained true to his chosen path by promptly retiring from F1 to take up other racing such as WEC and Indycar before returning to the sport by rejoining Renault in 2021.
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Latest discussions between Red Bull and Alonso
Fast forward to 2024 and Alonso’s career is once again at a crossroads. Red Bull Racing, now a dominant force in F1 yet again, recently considered replacing Sergio Perez but ultimately decided against bringing Alonso on board.
This decision has led Alonso to reaffirm his commitment to Aston Martin, a team he joined with high hopes and where he continues to play a key role.
The suggestion that Alonso’s decision to stay with Aston Martin is influenced by reflections on past decisions is not without merit. Aston Martin, much like Red Bull in its early days, has shown immense potential but has yet to fully realise it. Under the leadership of key figures and with significant investment, Aston Martin is on a trajectory that Alonso publically claims is reminiscent of Red Bull’s journey from underdog to champion.
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Marko confirms talks with Alonso
Now, motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull Racing was indeed considering Alonso on the German speaking formel1.de YouTube channel. Referring to the Austrian team’s cockpit vacancy from 2025 and a possible Alonso option, he said: “These discussions have taken place.
However, Marko was quick to point out that the decision was ultimately made against the veteran, largely because of F1’s dominant Max Verstappen.
“A harmonious working environment is very important for Max and I think that would probably not have been the case with Alonso,” the 81-year-old explained:
“They are two contrasting personalities, both very great drivers. When it comes to who is faster, neither of them are scared…”
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Alonso & Verstappen ‘generations apart’
It would have been “difficult” for the team to get them on the same page. Marko also wondered how it would work on a personal level.
“Alonso would be the oldest world champion in the team, Max the youngest, the two are generations apart,” the advisor said, referring to the age difference between the Spaniard (42) and the Dutchman (26).
From 2021, Verstappen will have Perez at his side as his Red Bull Racing wingman. The Mexican’s contract expires at the end of the season, but there are signs of an extension.
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