Christian Horner has lifted the lid on Red Bull’s driver-selection process for 2025, revealing that he wanted both Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc to partner Max Verstappen. In his upcoming memoir, Drive, the former team principal claims that Helmut Marko stood in the way of both potential signings, insisting that Verstappen was not responsible for the decisions.
Key Points
- Fernando Alonso reportedly expressed interest in joining Red Bull during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.
- Charles Leclerc was another candidate Horner considered an ideal replacement for Sergio Perez.
- Helmut Marko allegedly rejected both options, with Horner claiming the decisions did not come from Verstappen.
- Liam Lawson ultimately received the promotion before being demoted after just two races, while Carlos Sainz later discussed a possible Red Bull move for 2026.
Horner Sought a Replacement for Perez
Red Bull began considering its driver options after Sergio Perez's form declined significantly during the 2024 season. Despite helping the team secure its first one-two finish in the drivers' championship, the Mexican struggled to maintain his previous performances.
In Drive, Horner described Perez's form as unrecognisable compared with previous seasons and explained that he decided to explore potential replacements for the following campaign. However, the search proved more complicated than expected, with Horner claiming that his preferred candidates were ruled out before he could bring them to Red Bull.
Alonso Expressed Interest in Joining Verstappen
According to Horner, Fernando Alonso was among the first drivers considered for the vacant seat. The Spaniard, who was racing for Aston Martin at the time, reportedly told Horner during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix that he wanted to join Red Bull and partner Verstappen the following season.
Horner wrote that Marko subsequently made it clear, apparently on behalf of Verstappen's management team, that they were unhappy with the idea. The revelation suggests that Alonso was interested in the move, but the proposal failed to progress because of opposition within Red Bull.
Leclerc Was Also on Horner's Wishlist
After the Alonso option appeared to be off the table, Horner turned his attention to Charles Leclerc, believing the Ferrari driver could be an ideal fit for Red Bull. Horner praised Leclerc's outright speed, qualifying ability, determination, and commitment to his team.
Although he acknowledged that the Monegasque occasionally made mistakes, he viewed him as a team player who could step in if Perez's performances continued to decline. Horner also believed Leclerc appeared frustrated at Ferrari, potentially making a move more appealing.
However, the response from Marko was reportedly similar to the one involving Alonso. Horner recalled being told to forget about Leclerc, adding that the potential move was not going to happen.
Horner Insisted Verstappen Was Not Behind the Decisions
One of the most notable revelations in Horner's account was his insistence that Max Verstappen was not responsible for blocking either signing. Horner wrote that he immediately knew the instruction regarding Leclerc had not come from Verstappen.
However, he did not identify who ultimately decided that neither driver was the right choice for Red Bull. The former team principal's account raises questions about the influence behind Red Bull's driver decisions, suggesting that his preferred candidates were ruled out despite his position as the team's leader.
Lawson Got the Seat Before Sainz Entered the Picture
With Alonso and Leclerc reportedly ruled out, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson from its sister team to partner Verstappen for the 2025 season. Horner admitted that he was uncomfortable with the decision, pointing to Lawson's limited experience after just 11 Formula 1 races. He believed the young New Zealander was being asked to take on too much responsibility too soon.
Lawson was demoted back to the sister team after just two race weekends, and Horner later concluded that the promotion should never have happened in the first place. Another driver featured in Horner's memoir was Carlos Sainz, who reportedly visited the former team principal's home shortly before Horner's dismissal in July 2025.
According to Horner, the pair discussed a possible move to Red Bull for 2026. Horner praised Sainz's Grand Prix experience, team-first attitude, and work ethic, suggesting that he also viewed the Spaniard as a strong potential option.
Horner's Account Raises Questions Over Red Bull's Driver Strategy
Horner's revelations offer a different perspective on Red Bull's search for Verstappen's teammate, with Alonso and Leclerc reportedly considered before Lawson received the opportunity. However, the claims reflect Horner's account of events in his memoir, and the reasons behind the reported rejections remain unclear.
With Marko's alleged role and the identity of the person who ultimately ruled out both candidates still unanswered, the story leaves further questions about how Red Bull made its key driver decisions.
