Liberty Also Backed Alonso-Red Bull Team Up

It seems that nearly everyone and their boss were dying to see Fernando Alonso in Red Bull overalls. Recently, Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner revealed that even Liberty Media attempted to convince them to sign Alonso for 2019. However, Red Bull didn’t bite and now the two-time world champion will leave Formula 1 at the end of the year.

Alonso is one of F1’s most well-known stars, alongside current champion Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

However, it is increasingly likely that he will be an IndyCar driver next year. The Spaniard has grown disillusioned with his McLaren spell that has failed to deliver a podium finish. Over the week, the double world champion and Horner traded jabs regarding Alonso’s claims that he has twice turned down the team in 2018.

However, the Red Bull boss believes that Alonso does not fit their expected criteria, regardless of driver ability.

Now, he suggests that Daniel Ricciardo‘s decision to leave Red Bull prompted an enquiry from F1’s bosses. They tried to convince Red Bull to offer Alonso the chance to get back into a top team.

Horner said: “There was just an enquiry as to whether we would consider Fernando, which you can understand from a promoter’s point of view: Fernando Alonso is a great asset to Formula One.

“If he could be in a competitive car, I’m sure they would prefer him staying than pursuing his ‘Triple Crown’.

“I wouldn’t expect them to do anything different.”

The Spaniard had earlier claimed that he rejected six offers to join Red Bull over his F1 career. This allegedly included two attempts in 2018, but Horner insisted that they had not approached the veteran. According to him, the last time they showed any interest in signing him was back in 2007. This was after a tumultuous McLaren stint as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate.