Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has admitted to holding discussions with Fernando Alonso and his manager, Flavio Briatore, earlier this year.
Before the reigning constructors’ champions rode out a turbulent period of political turmoil behind the scenes, Sergio Perez‘s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024 season and Max Verstappen was rumoured to be assessing his options.
Perez has since signed a two-year extension, noise around Verstappen’s future has cooled, and Alonso has committed his long-term future to Aston Martin.
Speaking on what could have been, Horner explained: “At that time, Sergio’s contract hadn’t been extended, so as Fernando is a seasoned operator, he always wants to know all of his options.
“Between him and his manager or advisor of many years, Flavio, they’re always testing the market, and it just shows how hungry and competitive he is.”