Max Verstappen believes it would be “strange” for Red Bull to reject Fernando Alonso next season as the reigning champions continue to assess the characteristics for the second seat alongside the Dutchman. The veteran Spaniard is out of contract this winter and has been heavily linked with a fairytale transfer at the end of his career.
Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, a report from The Race claimed that Alonso was “doing very hard” to compete for a seat at Red Bull as he looked to climb the pecking order and return to the decade-long race for victory. . following his last step towards the more sensible step of the podium.
Speaking to Dutch outlet De Limburger about the speculation, Verstappen said: “No matter who is next to me, I have also told the team. I’ll believe in myself and, in my opinion, I’m the most productive of them all. “All of them. But if you ask me, I’d find it odd to hire a 42-year-old driver.
“Red Bull has had a culture of educating the young drivers themselves. The signing of Sergio Perez already differs from that culture, and especially now with a 42-year-old driver. I get on very well with Fernando, that’s not the problem. “, but I’m also chasing the long-term of the team. Ultimately, it’s up to them to figure out who’s driving and where. “
Don’t miss. . . Lewis Hamilton fears Mercedes will ‘spoil’ race at Japanese Grand Prix
Members of our network benefit from special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. You can check it at any time. Learn more
We use your registration to provide content in the way you have consented and based on our perception of you. This would possibly include advertising from us and third parties, as we perceive it. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy
While Alonso is keen to prove he is the right person to marry Verstappen in 2025, the moment the outgoing Red Bull driver is confident he can end his time with the Milton Keynes-based team beyond the end of his current contract.
“The statement is that we are happy, team and driver,” Perez told Suzuka. “I think it’s only a matter of time before we go down and try to get an agreement to extend my contract, but right now there’s not much more to say. “
More F1. . . Bernie Ecclestone’s wife ‘signs letter’ as FIA asks ‘take legal action’ [NEWS] Toto Wolff confirms Lewis Hamilton’s short list of replacements is complete and leaves trace [INSIGHT] Aston Martin boss addresses ‘astronomical’ bid for Red Bull boss Adrian Newey [LATEST]
Just six months ago, the option for Perez to get a contract extension was incredibly unlikely, but the Mexican driver followed up with a strong recovery at the end of the 2023 campaign with two P2 finishes and a P5 finish in Australia, despite being injured for most of the race.
While Red Bull’s door is most likely closed, Alonso’s hopes of securing a seat at the most sensible team for the 2025 crusade depend on Mercedes, which is still waiting to verify its replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is on his way to Ferrari.