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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has ruled out signing McLaren's Fernando Alonso. There have been whispers linking the Spaniard to the energy drink team, taking over Daniel Ricciardo's role, who is leaving to join Renault.
Ricciardo unexpectedly announced his departure from Red Bull last Friday, leading to speculation over who his replacement will be. However, Horner explained that the double-world champion's reputation would not serve him well at Red Bull.
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"I'm not sure it would be the healthiest thing for Fernando to join the team. I think our preference would be to continue to invest in youth than take a driver who is obviously close to the end of his career.
Horner then admitted that the team was looking to promote from within, with Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly linked to the seat. Horner says that Red Bull is fortunate to have access to many drivers under contract, and thinks that it will not be short of suitors attempting to fill the seat.
"Well, we're fortunate that we've got several drivers under contract that are great talents, so I think we're gonna sit back and evaluate what the situation is and see what comes out. It's an incredibly attractive car to be driving, so I don't think we're gonna be short of requests and offers.
"I think we'll look at everything, but I think the preferred group will be very much to invest as has been so successful in-home talent. [Sebastian] Vettel, Verstappen, Ricciardo, [Carlos] Sainz, [Pierre] Gasly, They're all products that have delivered for us, they're all products of the Red Bull junior programme."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (10)
Login to replyF1todayfan101
Posts: 120
Until September when they will sign Alonso ?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
If they don't go for Sainz it will be such a soft display of lack of balls. They held Sainz back so much for so long because they wanted to be prepared for this. Now when the perfect opportunity comes they hesitate?
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Not for me. I am unconvinced by is qualities as an F1 driver. His inconsistent tyre management is what lets him down coupled with the lacklustre performance against Hulk. I'd rather give Gasly an change.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A driver we know wasnt able to beat Hulk, but is generally pretty okay, versus a promising rookie that hasnt proven himself in the big league? I know which option I'd refer to as "ballsy".
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
We know what Sainz looked like against Max so... Yeah. Convenient to ignore that fact.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I dont really see how we are ignoring it, we are just looking at the now, as most teams tend to look. And while it was even back then, there is no guarantee it'll be the same now. 'sides, Max and Sainz didnt get along too well, now did they?
In short: while I think they will pick Sainz, Gasly would be the "ballsier" move.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
The Verstappen vs Sainz debate is no longer relative. The debate is now who would be an good team mate for Verstappen. I believe Gasly would be better since his driving style is more inline with Verstappen.
Also I'd rather see an new lineup not another rehash like other teams do.
I'd like to see Sainz in an McLaren and VanDoorne in a Toro rosso.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Christian Horner clearly ruled out Alonso, in his official F1 podcast. Perhaps Honda gave a clear indication against signing him. I can't blame them if they did.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Nope too much baggage and bad vibe. Leaves a trail of destruction ... The assessment of Horner is correct.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, wouldnt want him or his curse near my team. That aside, wouldnt it be amazing if Alonso would have rejected Honda over at McLaren, only to rejoin them later on? XD