Red Bull Wanted to Pursue Fernando Alonso Before Settling for Albon

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Alex Albon was not Red Bull’s first choice to replace the misfiring Pierre Gasly. They claimed that Fernando Alonso was initially approached before Alex Albon was given the nod.

Admittedly, there have been an infinite number of reports suggesting that the Spanish could return to Formula 1. However, this latest claim has taken the cake, with the Spanish publication suggesting that Alonso was Red Bull’s first choice to partner Max Verstappen. Unfortunately for the Bulls, he turned down the contract, as he must have thought that Red Bull were not the right team

Fernando Alonso elected to walk away from F1 at the end of the 2018 season and race in IndyCar and WEC.

Mundo Deportivo claimed that Red Bull entertained the idea of dropping the Frenchman since the Austrian Grand Prix. Gasly himself did not make a strong case in his favour either as he finished more than a lap behind race winner Verstappen.

So, Thai driver Albon will make his Red Bull debut in Belgium in just two weeks’ time. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly will be reuniting with Toro Rosso for the remaining nine races of the season.

However, Red Bull have clearly stated that Albon’s appointment to the senior team is not permanent. Instead, they will use the 9 remaining races to assess the young driver to see if he can cope under pressure.

On the other hand, the Austrian outfit do not have many choices, as they have split with so many Red Bull Academy drivers. The latest one was Daniel Ticktum, who was let go from the programme at the end of June.

Red Bull have made significant leaps and bounds over the last four races as Verstappen looks to stake a claim for the world title.

However, Alonso admitted last month, “I have a clear idea of ​​what I’m going to do, I don’t leave doors open, I’m not waiting or looking for anyone to call me.”

“I have always chosen where and when I wanted to drive, because I move based on what makes me happy.”

“We believe that if something scares you, but it makes you happy, then you must do it. That is the essence of adventure, and life is a very important adventure.”