Marko dismisses rumour: 'Can imagine Alonso coming up with this himself'

Since the Mexico City Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been linked on the rumour circuit with a switch to Red Bull Racing in 2024. However, the 42-year-old Spaniard will not make the switch to Max Verstappen's team. So says Helmut Marko ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

"This is all completely out of the blue," Marko explained to German F1 Insider. Red Bull Racing will 'just' continue with Sergio Perez in 2024, despite lesser performances in recent months. "Both Christian Horner and I have stressed several times that Perez will also drive for us next year. Regardless of the results. He has a contract and we will honour it!"

Marko does have an inkling of how it could be that Alonso is now suddenly linked with a switch to the world champion. "I can well imagine that Alonso has spread them [the rumours] himself because his results with Aston Martin have been very disappointing lately after the brilliant start to the season. It would not be the first time he has used his home media to create unrest."

Red Bull focuses on last three races

Finally, the 80-year-old Austrian is keen to clarify something: "Again and for the record: We only have sporting goals in mind, which we will focus on until the last race in Abu Dhabi. And they are: We want to win all the races and take the one-two with Perez." So the Alonso-Red Bull rumour can go in the bin.

Alonso himself firmly denies that he himself hurled these rumours into the world. Speaking from Brazil, the two-time world champion dismissed the reports as"normal rumours going around the paddock".