Because of the power struggle at Red Bull Racing, from which team boss Christian Horner appears to emerge as the winner, there have recently been increasing signs that Max Verstappen is moving to Mercedes.
As ex-driver and TV expert Ralf Schumacher now explains, Red Bull Racing is already actively looking for an adequate replacement for the Dutchman. Namely in the person of Fernando Alonso, who is currently under contract with Aston Martin.
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Christian Horner, Schumacher said on Sky, had “always been a big fan” of the Spaniard. And now Schumacher wants to know that “there seem to be big intentions in the background to bring Fernando Alonso into the cockpit next year in order to have another strong driver if Max Verstappen leaves the team.”
This isn’t just a mental game, the younger Schumacher brother continued. “There are these rumors, and these rumors and information are pretty good.” Sky confronted Alonso with this information in Melbourne, and Alonso reacted “very cautiously”: “He said he was thinking about it.”
First conversations
It is obvious that former world champion Alonso would not miss the chance to get a place in what is probably the fastest car in Formula 1.
The industry portal “motorsport-total” also reported that initial discussions had taken place between Horner and Flavio Briatore, Alonso’s long-time friend and manager.
Verstappen has a long-term contract with Red Bull, but according to consistent media reports, it contains a clause according to which he could move immediately if his confidant Helmut Marko leaves.
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