Helmut Marko claims Fernando Alonso would not have been a ‘harmonious’ teammate to Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Fernando Alonso was rumored to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull before signing a new deal with Aston Martin.

Helmut Marko claims Fernando Alonso would not have been a ‘harmonious’ teammate to Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Fernando Alonso [L] Helmut Marko [C] Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

The contracts of many drivers on the grid are expiring at the end of the 2024 F1 season. This has left behind uncertainty on how the grid would look like next year. Fernando Alonso had been speculated to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull. However, Helmut Marko was always not in favour of the move.

Max Verstappen expressed his nonchalance regarding who drove next to him. As such, Marko was of the opinion that having Fernando Alonso drive next to the Dutchman would not bring smooth operations into the team. The Red Bull advisor put weight on the need for the three-time world champion to have a teammate who would work in harmony with him.

Well, there have been conversations. But as I mentioned before, a harmonious work environment is very important to Max and I think it probably would not have been the case with Alonso.
Helmut Marko said, as reported by motorsport
YouTube video

The two- time world champion has now secured a multi-year deal with Aston Martin. With the second Red Bull seat still not confirmed, it leaves behind many competitors eyeing the Mexican’s seat. While, the speculations regarding Alonso joining RB have been put to rest, those regarding another Spaniard, Carlos Sainz have shown face.

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Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are ‘generations apart’

Placing Fernando Alonso in the seat next to Max Verstappen would be uniting two world champions. Helmut Marko found this dynamic to be not feasible for the Red Bull team. He also pointed out the generational difference between their respective World Championships.

I think it would be very difficult for a team. Alonso would be the oldest world champion on the team, Max the youngest, and they are generations apart.
Helmut Marko explained
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen (Credits: IMAGO)

While both the drivers have shown phenomenal outcomes in the past with their performances, the variation in their work dynamics forms a setback. The Austrian claimed the drivers to lack in modesty regarding who is faster, which would further hinder the team from going in the right direction. Verstappen is known to take great interest in sim racing regardless of the race weekend, something which the two time world champion does not find himself drawn to.

I don't think Alonso does sim racing or gets into a simulator on a plane right after a grand prix. So they are two opposite personalities, both very good drivers and also personalities.
Helmut Marko noted

Helmut Marko went on to express his admiration for their respecting driving styles and their personalities. The 80-year-old looks forward to signing a driver who could serve as the ideal teammate to Max Verstappen for the foreseeable future.

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