Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has recently revealed that Fernando Alonso had the chance to join Red Bull just two years before the team embarked on their championship-winning streak. Recalling the events of the mid-2000s, Horner disclosed that Alonso’s decision to seek a one-year deal instead of a longer commitment prevented the partnership from materializing.
At the time, Alonso was a highly sought-after driver, having ended Michael Schumacher’s dominance in Formula 1 by securing the World Championship titles in 2005 and 2006. Red Bull recognized Alonso’s talent and attempted to sign him during his tumultuous season with McLaren when it became evident that his relationship with the team was deteriorating. However, the negotiations hit a roadblock when Alonso, with aspirations to join Ferrari, expressed his desire for a one-year contract, whereas Red Bull sought a longer-term commitment.
As a result, the talks between Red Bull and Alonso’s representatives faltered. Two years later, Alonso’s team approached Red Bull again, indicating a renewed interest in a potential collaboration. Horner recalled that there was even a conversation in the “back of an Alfa Romeo” a few years after that. However, it was the initial round of discussions that Horner deemed the most serious, and he believes that Alonso missed a significant opportunity by not committing to Red Bull at that time.
Following the failed negotiations, Red Bull went on to achieve tremendous success, clinching four consecutive World Championship titles from 2010 to 2013. The team became a dominant force in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel at the helm, leaving many to speculate what could have been if Alonso had joined their ranks.
Despite missing out on the opportunity to partner with Red Bull during their championship-winning era, Alonso continued to make his mark in Formula 1. After stints with Ferrari, McLaren, and a brief departure from the sport, he returned in 2021 to drive for the Alpine team (formerly Renault).
As the sport evolves and drivers make pivotal career decisions, the topic of missed opportunities often emerges. Alonso’s potential partnership with Red Bull remains a notable what-if moment in Formula 1 history. While both Red Bull and Alonso found success in their own right, fans and experts alike may still wonder how their paths could have intersected and what impact it would have had on the sport.
