Helmut Marko has disclosed that he previously discussed a Red Bull seat with Fernando Alonso.
Fernando Alonso, a two-time F1 World Champion, has not raced with Red Bull despite his extensive career in Formula 1, which spans over twenty years. Helmut Marko, the advisor to the Milton Keynes-based team, confirmed that they had talks with the Spanish driver.
Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001 with Minardi. After spending the following season as a test driver, he joined Renault, where he won two championships in 2005 and 2006.
After a five-year stint with Ferrari, he moved to McLaren and spent two years away from the top of motorsport.
The Spanish driver made a comeback in 2021 with Alpine before joining Aston Martin last season. The 43-year-old secured seven podium finishes at the start of 2023, but the Silverstone-based team has experienced a decline in form this year.
Despite the challenges, Alonso agreed to a new multi-year contract in April that ties him to the team until at least the end of the 2026 season, which marks the first year of new regulations in the sport and the start of Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, confirmed the team had discussions with Alonso.
“We are no longer just sponsors; we demand drivers who have the potential to win Grands Prix in the future,” he stated.
Explaining why Red Bull opted not to sign Alonso, Marko attributed it to the philosophy established by the company’s co-founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.
“This is due to Dietrich Mateschitz’s philosophy. At that time, we were in talks with Fernando Alonso, but he told us that we would not buy stars; we would create them ourselves.
“I think this is a legacy. We continue this philosophy and the incredible visionary and spiritual spirit that Mateschitz brought here…” he concluded.
