Fernando Alonso believes that there is “zero chance” that Max Verstappen will not be at Red Bull in the 2025 Formula 1 season amid rumours regarding his future.
Verstappen and Red Bull’s formidable partnership since F1’s return to ground effect cars in 2022 has continued this term with three wins from the first four races.
However, there have been rumours that the Dutchman could depart the Austrian outfit amid the fallout from the investigation into Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Max’s father, Jos, claimed that Horner’s presence could “tear apart” the team, while Verstappen has been clear that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko must remain.
Amid the tension within Red Bull, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has named Verstappen as his “number one” choice to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
Alonso had been linked as a potential replacement in the event where Verstappen departed, but he has since committed his future to Aston Martin through 2026.
Asked how much control Verstappen’s movement has on the driver market, Alonso admitted that he thinks it’s impossible that the three-time champion heads elsewhere.
“Sure, if Max leaves Red Bull, maybe that has an impact,” he said. “But I think there’s zero chance of that happening. I think that’s something that I’m not thinking too much.
“What I want to do is concentrate on my stuff. Here is just this race.
“Before summer, I’m trying to make a decision. If I keep racing or not. If I keep racing, where will be the best possibilities.
“That stress that is happening. All the rumours and things like that. We are not into those too much. I’m not into those for sure.”
Alonso’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but it was announced earlier this week that he had penned a multi-term extension.
The Spaniard’s switch to Aston Martin last season coincided with its emergence as a regular podium scorer, but the team slipped back to fifth place in the standings.
Aston Martin has retained that position in the nascent stages of 2024, but Alonso has been encouraged with the development plans in the pipeline for its AMR24 car.
“I’m very happy. I was happy last year and I’m still happy now. I feel good with the team,” Alonso expressed. “I would love to be in a stronger position last year.
“We were fighting for bigger things at the beginning of the year. We were in more or less this position at the end of last year. Fifth fastest team.
“But this year it seems that we have a road map. Developing the car that is a little bit more aggressive. More in line with a top team that wants to fight for big things. I’m happy to see that.”
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