Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner has dismissed speculation that his team could sign Fernando Alonso suggesting he causes chaos within teams.
Currently driving for McLaren, Alonso is out of contract at the end of the season while Red Bull possesses the most competitive available seat following Daniel Ricciardo’s decision to leave the team.
It’s seen speculation link the two-time world champion to the drive, though Horner has moved to hose down those suggestions.
“I’ve got huge respect for Fernando, he’s a great, fantastic driver, but it would be very difficult to see,” Horner told the official F1 podcast.
“He’s tended to cause a bit of chaos wherever he’s gone.
“I’m not sure it would be the healthiest thing for the team for Fernando to join.
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“Our preference would be to continue to invest in youth than take a driver who is obviously close to the end of his career.”
Instead, Horner believes the team has a bevy of young drivers already under its control to choose from, and is therefore in no rush to name Ricciardo’s replacement.
“We’re fortunate that we’ve got several drivers under contract that are great talents,” he reasoned.
“I think we’re going to sit back and evaluate what the situation is, see what comes out.
“It’s an incredibly attractive car to be driving, I don’t think we’re going to be short of requests and offers.
“I think we’ll look at everything. The preferred route will be to invest, as has been so successful, in home talent. (Sebastian) Vettel, (Max) Verstappen, Ricciardo, (Carlos) Sainz, (Pierre) Gasly; they are all products of the junior program that have delivered for us.”
Sainz and Gasly are the two most likely, with each holding Red Bull contracts.
“Both of those guys are very quick drivers so I think this just gives us opportunity to take a breath,” said Horner.
“They’re under contract anyway til the end of the summer or beyond.
“We’ll look at the options available to us and make sure we make the right decision for the team.”
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