Fernando Alonso reportedly Christian Horner’s first choice for 2025 despite signaling interest in Carlos Sainz

Fernando Alonso's contract with Aston Martin ends at the end of this year. Reports suggest that the two-time world champion might be on Red Bull's radar to replace Sergio Perez.


Fernando Alonso reportedly Christian Horner’s first choice for 2025 despite signaling interest in Carlos Sainz

Fernando Alonso (L), Carlos Sainz (C), Christian Horner (R) (images via IMAGO).

Red Bull has dominated Formula in recent years. Max Verstappen had a record-breaking campaign in 2023. On the other hand, Sergio Perez struggled to secure the runner-up spot in the standings last season. As a result, the Mexican driver could be replaced by Red Bull if he fails to perform this year. Fernando Alonso is reported to be one of the prime candidates to replace Perez.

Sergio Perez has performed decently in the 2024 season. Following Max Verstappen‘s shock retirement at the Australian GP, Perez failed to clinch a podium in the race due to floor damage. The majority of the drivers’ market will open up by 2025. As such, Perez could be at risk of losing his seat for the upcoming season.

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According to F1-insider, Christian Horner is currently eyeing F1 veteran Fernando Alonso for a potential seat at Milton Keynes. Although Horner had recently left the door open for Carlos Sainz to return to Milton Keynes after his victory at Albert Park. Additionally, this isn’t the first time that Milton Keynes has shown interest in acquiring the 42-year-old.

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Fernando Alonso reaffirms Aston Martin as priority amidst Red Bull rumors

Fernando Alonso achieved some great results since joining Aston Martin n 2023. As a result, the Asturian driver has a love for Team Silverstone and claims to be loyal to the team. The 42-year-old reiterated how while deciding on a team, he would go to Aston Martin first. This would be the priority and loyalty from Alonso to the team for helping him two years ago. Previously, Alonso had asserted that he would decide his future in F1 by himself amidst Mercedes rumors.

When I make that decision, the first office that I will go is to the Aston Martin office, And that will be my priority, my loyalty to them. I’m thankful for the opportunity they gave me two years ago.
Alonso said, as reported by planetf1.com.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll during the Las Vegas GP opening ceremony
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll during the Las Vegas GP opening ceremony (Via IMAGO)

An agreement with Aston Martin to renew Alonso’s contract would be ideal for the 42-year-old. However, if Team Silverstone were to not agree with the the two-time world champion, only then would he look at other options. But that would be the ‘second opportunity’ for the Asturian driver and would prioritize racing with Silverstone past his contract expiration. Additionally, Alonso had recently provided a timeline for the ‘final decision’ on his future team in Formula 1.

And if we get to an agreement, then that will be the decision, if I keep racing and we get to an agreement. If I don’t get to an agreement with Aston, then I will look elsewhere. But that will be a second opportunity.
Alonso stated.

The 2024 season is off to a decent start for Fernando Alonso. However, the F1 veteran faced a penalty during the Australian GP and was demoted to P8 from P6. Regardless, Aston Martin has showcased promising performance from the get-go. Hence, time will tell about how Silverstone fares against the rival teams.

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