Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko has revealed why he did not expect Fernando Alonso to become Max Verstappen's Formula 1 teammate.
In a decision made earlier this year, Alonso committed his Formula One future to the Aston Martin project, and took any suggestions of a move elsewhere into consideration.
Alonso had come close to joining Red Bull on several occasions in the past, but never signed an agreement.
The Spaniard was briefly linked with a move to the Milton Keynes outfit for 2025 – but Marko has made it clear that a partnership with Verstappen will not work.
“Well, there have been conversations,” Marco said. Form1.de.
He continued: “But as I mentioned before, a harmonious work environment is very important for Max and I think this would not have happened with Alonso.”
Opposite personalities
Despite being 43 years old, Alonso is committed to racing until 2026 – 20 years after his last world championship-winning season.
While both Verstappen and Alonso have expressed mutual respect for each other, Marko believes the pair are too different to work together seamlessly.
“No, I think it will be very difficult for the team,” he said.
“Alonso will be the oldest world champion on the team, Max the youngest, and they are generations apart.
“I don't think Alonso participates in simulator races or gets into a simulator on a plane straight after a Grand Prix. So they are two opposing personalities, two very good drivers and two personalities as well.
“But when it comes to knowing who is faster, neither of them has been very humble. It will be very difficult for the team to take that in a positive direction.
