Red Bull boss Helmut Marko has disclosed the harsh reason for not signing an F1 champion as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
Speculation is rampant about who will partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 season, especially with Carlos Sainz hitting the driver market after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Current Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, whose contract expires at the end of 2024, faces uncertainty due to last season’s poor performances. Despite an improvement this year, Perez has not reached the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix and finished eighth at Imola, trailing both Mercedes.
As Red Bull considers potential replacements for Perez, the recently available Sainz is eyeing a seat. However, one notable driver has already been ruled out. Fernando Alonso, having signed a multi-year deal with Aston Martin, won’t be joining Red Bull.
When asked about the possibility of signing the two-time world champion, Red Bull boss Helmut Marko revealed that discussions had taken place but acknowledged the challenges of pairing Alonso with Verstappen.
“Well, there have been conversations,” Marko said via Formel1.de’s YouTube channel. “But as I mentioned before, a harmonious work environment is very important to Max, and I think that probably would not have been the case with Alonso.
“I think it would be very difficult for a team. Alonso would be the oldest world champion on the team, Max the youngest, and they are generations apart. Alonso doesn’t engage in sim racing or jump into a simulator right after a grand prix. They are two opposite personalities, both very talented but very different.
“When it comes to competing, neither is modest. Managing both strong personalities in a positive direction would be extremely challenging for the team.”
As Red Bull continues to evaluate their options for Verstappen’s teammate, the dynamics within the team and the compatibility of drivers remain critical factors in their decision-making process.
