Helmut Marko claims a ‘disappointed’ Fernando Alonso spread rumors about him replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull

Helmut Marko believes Fernando Alonso used the Spanish media to spread the recent rumors.

Helmut Marko claims a ‘disappointed’ Fernando Alonso spread rumors about him replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull

Dr. Helmut Marko [L] Fernando Alonso [R] (Via IMAGO)

Fernando Alonso has been in the news recently. The Spaniard was rumored to be in the running to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2024. With Checo switching to Aston Martin in a direct driver swap. However, these rumors have been discarded by Red Bull. Now, Red Bull consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has claimed that Alonso spread these rumors himself.

Marko recently addressed the rumors regarding this alleged swap. The 80-year-old was convinced that Fernando Alonso must’ve initiated such speculation. As the two-time world champion has been struggling with Aston Martin’s performance slump in the latter half of the season.

As for the rumors about Alonso: I can well imagine that Alonso spread them himself because his results with Aston Martin have been very disappointing recently after the brilliant start to the season.

Helmut Marko told F1-insider.com

The Red Bull advisor believed that Alonso must’ve been disappointed after a stellar start to the 2023 season. Moreover, Marko claimed that the two-time champion has used Spanish media to spread such rumors in the past as well. The 43-year-old has been involved in controversies in the past over the course of his long F1 career.

It wouldn't be the first time that he used his home media to create a mood.

Red Bull insist Sergio Perez will stay in 2024

Sergio Perez has had a woeful 2023 F1 season. The Mexican driver has failed to match teammate Max Verstappen. The 33-year-old has continued to trail behind the two-time champion. Subsequently, Checo was expected to redeem himself at his home race at the Mexican GP. Unfortunately, Perez crashed out on the first lap of the race.

Sergio Perez and Dr. Helmut Marko (image via IMAGO)
Sergio Perez and Dr. Helmut Marko (image via IMAGO)

Additionally, It was rumored that the Mexican driver might be forced out of Red Bull if he failed to finish second in the championship. However, Red Bull has dismissed these rumors time and time again. Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo were believed to be the drivers who could’ve replaced the 33-year-old at Milton Keynes.

Certainly, Red Bull has continued to emphasize that Perez will stay with the team. However, rumors have continued to surface in the past weeks. Checo would be looking to end his 2023 season on a high note in the remaining three rounds of the season. Although, it remains to be seen if Sergio Perez can turn the tide in the last three races.

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