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Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed intriguing details regarding the search for Sergio Perez's replacement. The Briton explored moves for both Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc, but neither option received the necessary internal backing. Horner also clarified Max Verstappen's role in the discussions, firmly insisting the Dutchman was not the driving force behind rejecting Leclerc.
Horner was dismissed from Red Bull last year amid the fallout from a workplace scandal and a power struggle that placed him and advisor Dr Helmut Marko on opposing sides.
In his autobiography 'Drive', Horner describes how he began exploring alternatives in 2023 following Perez's inconsistent performances. That prompted him to target two of the most prominent names on the Formula 1 grid.
How the Alonso move collapsed
The Spanish veteran showed genuine interest in joining the Austrian outfit. Horner recalls a direct conversation during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend where Alonso expressed his eagerness to partner Verstappen for the following season. However, that possibility was swiftly shut down following firm intervention from team advisor Helmut Marko.
According to Horner's account, Marko voiced strong opposition from Verstappen's management team, effectively killing any prospect of a Verstappen-Alonso partnership:
"During the Japanese Grand Prix, Fernando even told me he really wanted to race alongside Max the following season. But shortly afterwards, Helmut—clearly on behalf of Verstappen's management team—made it abundantly clear they were not happy with the idea at all."
The push for Leclerc and another veto
Alongside Alonso, Horner also gave serious consideration to Ferrari star Charles Leclerc. The Briton viewed the Monegasque driver as an ideal candidate to bolster the team's line-up—not only for his outright speed, but also for his team-first mentality and loyalty.
"He was fast, exceptionally strong over a single lap, and possessed a determined character. Of course, he made the occasional mistake that Red Bull capitalised on, but no matter the situation, he never criticised Ferrari. Charles was a team player and I felt he could step into the breach if Sergio slipped further back. Plus, he seemed frustrated at Ferrari."
Yet, the prospect of signing Leclerc was thwarted in much the same manner as Alonso's. Marko once again shut down any hopes of making the move:
"Soon after, Helmut told me to just forget about Charles as well. Just like with Fernando, it simply wasn't going to happen."
Horner admits his disappointment with how events unfolded, but made an important clarification. While the objection to Alonso came via the champion's camp, the former team boss does not believe the call to pass on Leclerc came directly from the four-time world champion:
"I knew straight away that the instruction hadn't come from Max. But someone, somewhere had decided it wasn't the right move for Red Bull. I was disappointed."
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