Max Verstappen has expressed interest in driving alongside Fernando Alonso at Red Bull next season, but has warned the Formula One team that doing so may contradict their ideals.
The 42-year-old has proven he can compete for Aston Martin by finishing on the podium seven times in 2023. He extended his outstanding run of achievements this year, finishing sixth at the Japanese Grand Prix, a performance that was widely praised because many thought he surpassed the AMR24 car.
If Red Bull decides to replace Sergio Perez, who is also without a drive as of 2025, Alonso may be viewed as the most appealing and attainable choice. However, Verstappen has questioned the move, claiming that it contradicts the team’s beliefs.
“I don’t care who sits beside me. I also mentioned it to the team. I always believe in myself, and I don’t think I’m the boss of everyone. But if you ask me, I’d be surprised to sign a 42-year-old driver,” Verstappen told De Limburger.
“Red Bull has always had a tradition of training its own young drivers. Sergio Perez’s signing was a deviation from this tendency, particularly for a 42-year-old driver.
[It’s not that] I can’t get along with Fernando, that’s not it, but I also look at the future of the team. Ultimately, it is up to them to determine who drives where.”
Alonso’s contract ends at the conclusion of the season, and in March, he openly said that he will consider his options for next year, including a possible retirement from motorsport.
Two races later, the two-time world champion is still undecided about what comes next, but he did imply that the gap to Verstappen will be considered in his next choice.
“It can go either way.” I had a terrific time, which encourages me to continue racing. “I had one of my best weekends ever driving,” Alonso told reporters in Japan. “[But] I am 44 seconds behind the leader, so it doesn’t feel that attractive at the same time, so let’s see.”
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