Ex-Team Principal Horner reveals: Red Bull wanted to sign Alonso
There were reportedly considerations at the racing stable regarding a driver pairing of Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. However, the Dutchman's entourage reportedly blocked the deal.
A unique driver pairing could have apparently emerged at Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season: Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso.
As former team principal Christian Horner now reveals, the Spaniard was his preferred candidate to replace Sergio Pérez.
In his new autobiography "Drive", set to be released on October 22, the Briton recounts his considerations at the time. This was revealed by the Dutch medium "NU.nl". "Sergio Perez was unrecognisable compared to previous years. I decided to look for a possible replacement," Horner writes.
Helmut Marko blocked it
Alonso was reportedly quite open to a move to Red Bull. "During the Japanese Grand Prix, Fernando even told me that he would very much like to drive alongside Max in the following season," Horner reveals about a conversation in 2024.
However, the plan apparently met with resistance from Verstappen's circle. "Subsequently, Helmut (Marko, Ed.), apparently on behalf of Verstappen's management, made it clear that they were not enthusiastic about this idea," Horner reports.
Lawson replaced Perez
This thus ended the possibility of uniting the two world champions at Red Bull.
However, whether the rejection actually came from Verstappen's circle remains open. Horner himself explicitly does not hold the Dutchman responsible for the failure of the plans.
The decision ultimately fell on Liam Lawson, who was promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing. However, the New Zealander was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after only two races.
