Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that talks were held with Fernando Alonso over a potential drive in 2025 before his Formula 1 renewal with Aston Martin.
Aston Martin announced last month that Alonso has signed a multi-term contract extension to remain with the Silverstone-based squad through the 2026 rules reset.
But Alonso would not be drawn on which teams had been in contact regarding a possible move amid rumours that he was angling to seek out an opening at Red Bull.
Marko has divulged that conversations with Alonso took place but touted that acquiring the two-time champion would have run the risk of unsettling Max Verstappen.
Speaking in an interview with Formel1.de via Motorsport.com concerning the reports linking Alonso to Red Bull, Marko said: “Well, there have been conversations.
“But as I mentioned before, a harmonious work environment is very important to Max and I think that probably would not have been the case with Alonso.”
Marko argued that replacing the incumbent Sergio Perez to partner two multiple-time champions in the same team would be counterproductive to a successful team.
“No, I think it would be very difficult for a team,” he added. “Alonso would be the oldest World Champion on the team, Max the youngest, and they are generations apart.
“I don’t think Alonso does sim racing or gets into a simulator on a plane right after a grand prix.
“So they are two opposite personalities, both very good drivers and also personalities.
“Neither of them are very modest. And it would be very, very difficult for a team to take that in a positive direction.”
However, Marko has commended Alonso’s ongoing exploits and strive to deliver at the top level, despite turning 43 in July and having not won a race since May 2013.
“You can’t achieve everything in life, but it clearly depends on the personality of the driver, and once again I take my hat off to him for the incredible performance he continues to offer despite his age,” he expressed.
Alonso has been open in the past that he turned down an approach from Red Bull before the Austrian outfit had transitioned into a regular race-winning F1 operation.
“Well, we were talking to Alonso in the early years of Red Bull Racing,” Marko confirmed.
“I don’t think he thought we were capable of manufacturing cars that could compete to win World Championships. And that didn’t work out.”
