Christian Horner has revealed that he considered both Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc as potential replacements for Sergio Perez at Red Bull, only for neither option to receive the necessary backing. The former team principal has also clarified Max Verstappen's role in the discussions, insisting that the Dutchman was not behind the decision to rule out Leclerc.
In his autobiography Drive, Horner reflected on the search for a suitable teammate for Verstappen as concerns grew over Perez's performances back in 2023. The Mexican's difficulties prompted the Briton to consider alternatives, including two of the most established drivers on the Formula 1 grid.
Alonso was among the names under consideration, and Horner claims the Spaniard was interested in making the switch himself. The former Red Bull boss recalls a conversation during the Japanese Grand Prix in which Alonso expressed his desire to race alongside Verstappen the following season. However, the possibility was soon dismissed following an intervention from Helmut Marko.
According to Horner's account, Marko communicated the objections on behalf of Verstappen's management, effectively bringing the possibility of an Alonso-Verstappen partnership to an end.
"During the Japanese Grand Prix, Fernando even told me that he really wanted to drive alongside Max the following season. Subsequently, Helmut, apparently on behalf of Verstappen's management team, made it clear that they were not happy with that idea."
Photo: Race Pictures
Horner wanted Leclerc at Red Bull but faced another rejection
Alonso was not the only driver Horner considered. The Briton also identified Leclerc as a possible addition to Red Bull, believing the Ferrari star possessed the qualities needed to strengthen the team's driver line-up: "I thought he could be the perfect driver for us."
Horner's interest in Leclerc extended beyond his performances on track. He also valued the Monegasque's attitude towards Ferrari, particularly his willingness to support the team despite the difficulties he encountered.
"He was fast, strong over one lap, and had a determined character. Sure, he made a mistake now and then, which Red Bull had capitalised on, but whatever the situation, he never criticised Ferrari. Charles was a team player, and I felt he could fill the gap if Sergio dropped further back. Moreover, he seemed frustrated at Ferrari."
Nevertheless, the prospect of bringing Leclerc to Red Bull was dismissed in much the same way as the earlier discussions surrounding Alonso: "Shortly afterwards, Helmut told me that I should just forget about Charles as well. Just like with Fernando, it wasn't going to happen."
Horner was disappointed by the response, but he made an important distinction regarding the source of the opposition. While Marko reportedly referred to Verstappen's management when discussing Alonso, Horner does not believe the instruction to abandon the pursuit of Leclerc came directly from the four-time world champion.
"I knew immediately that that order did not come from Max. But someone had decided somewhere that it wasn't the right move for Red Bull. I was disappointed."