Alonso to be Verstappen's teammate? Why Red Bull switch could make sense

Immediately after the Mexico Grand Prix, the rumours began: Fernando Alonso may be moving to Red Bull Racing this winter to step into the RB20 as Max Verstappen's teammate in 2024. While it does not seem very realistic at the moment, a switch does make sense from the point of view of the Austrian racing stable for a number of reasons.

The story is familiar: Sergio Perez is still under contract until the end of 2024, but the Mexican seems to fear for his position more by the week. For several months now, Checo has been underperforming in qualifying and regularly fails to get on the podium with the dominant RB19. And Verstappen, meanwhile, keeps stringing together victories.

Daniel Ricciardo is hoping to regain his partnership with Christian Horner and Helmut Marko and is (without saying it in so many words) vying for Perez's seat, but for now, Red Bull continue to stress: Perez has a commitment for next season and will therefore still be driving for Red Bull in 2024.

Alonso wants more

But now the name of Fernando Alonso is cropping up. The two-time world champion showcased his class several times this season with multiple podium finishes. Whereas Aston Martin was the surprising two force in Formula 1 at the beginning of the year, the British team drove at the back of the field in the United States and Mexico. The top teams are suddenly far out of sight again, and rumours suggest this is causing frustration for Alonso. The Spaniard's management is said to have already looked into whether a spot is available elsewhere for next year.

For Red Bull - looking at Perez's current performance - there is plenty of reason to choose Alonso. At the moment, there is no young driver ready to step in from AlphaTauri. Daniel Ricciardo missed a few races due to his injury and has yet to convince Red Bull's management that he can return to his old level.

Duo of Verstappen and Alonso?

Alonso is the best possible driver alongside Verstappen. Red Bull benefits from this with the development of the car. After all, now everything depends on Verstappen. The 42-year-old driver's arrival could also be positive for Verstappen. By beating a multiple world champion, Verstappen can prove that he is the best driver ever in the top class of motorsport.

At the same time, Alonso would be more grateful than ever if he still gets the chance to fight for wins and the world championship for the last time in his career. He seems more energised and motivated than ever, but in recent years, he has lacked the right material. Alonso, with the promising prospect, might settle for a second role for the first time in his career.

Moreover, with Alonso, Red Bull would bring in an outspoken personality, a no-nonsense figure. Exactly like Horner and Marko are too. In Formula 1-crazy Spain, he would serve as the perfect flagbearer in Spain once again. Red Bull Racing will gain millions of fans in one fell swoop, and sales will also benefit.

Verstappen and Alonso also particularly like and respect each other. They get along extremely well, better than Max and Checo. A high class duo in the making?