Three-time Formula 1 champion turned Mercedes F1 non-executive director Niki Lauda, believes Fernando Alonso would be bad news for Red Bull if they were to opt for him as a team-mate to Sebastian Vettel.
The Austrian spoke to Auto Motor und Sport about who he believes should get Mark Webber’s soon-to-be vacant seat, but warned against Alonso.
“He would only bring trouble to the team,” he said about the Spaniard, likely in reference to Alonso’s torrid relationship with Lewis Hamilton when they were team-mates at McLaren in 2007.
Instead, Lauda believes they would be wise to go for one of the two most likely options; Kimi Raikkonen or Daniel Ricciardo.
“With probably four world championships in Vettel, Red Bull has the luxury to weigh in peace the benefits of Raikkonen or Ricciardo,” he explained
“One is the better solution in the short term, the other in the long term. In the end they [Red Bull] can take a risk.”
“But not Ferrari,” he added. The 64-year-old says the Italian outfit would be best placed to re-hire the experienced and consistent Raikkonen.
“If Raikkonen doesn’t go to Red Bull, then Ferrari should try to get him on board. For a counterweight to Alonso.
“After six years without a title, Ferrari is under great pressure.”
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