Fernando Alonso has claimed he had negotiations with Red Bull for the second time, this time ahead of his return to Formula One in 2021.
Alonso to Red Bull falls into the category of Formula 1’s “dream moves that never happened,” with racing advisor Dr Helmut Marko confirming in 2019 that the two-time former World Champion had talks with the team in 2008 about joining them from McLaren.
Since Marko’s admission, there have been rumors in the Spanish press that Red Bull was considering making a mid-season switch at Silverstone, replacing the struggling Pierre Gasly with Alonso, who has turned the approach down.
Later in 2019, it was reported that Formula One owners Liberty Media tried to persuade Red Bull to sign Alonso in order to bring some star power back to the grid.
Alonso did, of course, return to the grid with his previous team Renault, renamed Alpine, ahead of the 2021 season – but the Spaniard claims he had further discussions with Red Bull.
“I had no conversations with Mercedes, there were some with Red Bull,” Alonso is quoted as saying by Marca has having told the ‘El Transistor’ show.
“I wouldn’t have come back to F1 without the new rules for 2022.
“I would like to say I can be champion but I don’t know.
“The big teams have the oven ready and the rest of us have a lot to do and test.
For next year, all the teams have the dream of catching up with the leaders.”
Alonso had a two-year break from Formula One, which he says he thoroughly enjoyed.
He said: “I really enjoyed the years outside F1, and being able to change discipline and car every weekend was a challenge. A great challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed.
“Of all the things I did, I would choose the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Dakar Rally as the best.”
Alonso was also asked about his good friend and compatriot Carlos Sainz’s abilities, but he refused to call him a Formula One World Champion in the future.
“I hope so, but I wouldn’t like to put that pressure on him,” Alonso said when asked if Sainz could be a World Champion.
“It is not easy. There are few champions and many drivers.”
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