Max Verstappen has shared his views on the potential signing of Fernando Alonso by Red Bull, describing it as “strange” due to Alonso’s age.
Alonso, a two-time F1 champion, is the oldest driver on the grid at 42 and has been in early discussions with Red Bull.
The team might consider Alonso if they decide not to extend Sergio Perez’s contract beyond this year. Alonso’s future is uncertain, with options open at Aston Martin or elsewhere.
Verstappen, unfazed by who his teammate might be, expressed to De Limburger, “I don’t care who sits next to me,” and “I always believe in myself and in my opinion I am the boss of everyone.
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” However, he noted, “But if you ask me, I would find it strange to sign a 42-year-old driver. Red Bull has always had the tradition of training young drivers itself.”
Verstappen acknowledged the break from tradition when Red Bull signed Perez but emphasized his focus on the team’s future.
Despite a good relationship with Alonso, he believes the decision on drivers rests with the team.
The 2025 Mercedes seat, opened by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, is another key focus in the F1 driver market, with Verstappen and Alonso among the names considered.
Verstappen, however, remains committed to Red Bull, aiming for his fourth consecutive F1 title.
Alonso and Carlos Sainz, who is looking for opportunities after Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, are seen as potential candidates for the Mercedes seat.
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Sainz could also be an option for Aston Martin if Alonso leaves.
Despite the speculation around his future, Perez’s performance in 2024, including two second-place finishes behind Verstappen, might secure his position at Red Bull.
As the F1 Japanese Grand Prix approaches, Verstappen leads the grid, with Perez close behind, highlighting the competitive dynamics within Red Bull and the broader implications for the F1 driver market.