Verstappen Shoots Down Alonso to Red Bull Rumours

Published 09/20/2018, 12:09 PM EDT

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Max Verstappen has casted doubt on claims that Fernando Alonso was approached by Red Bull for the 2019 season.

Back at the Belgian Grand Prix in August, Alonso and Red Bull exchanged a big difference in opinions as to whether the two-time World Champion was offered a chance to join the the team at the end of the current campaign.

The Spaniard claimed that he had been approached by Red Bull multiple times over the course of his career including to partner Max Verstappen in 2019.

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Red Bull denied those claims, with team principal Christian Horner cheekily suggesting that it may have been Toro Rosso knocking at Alonso’s door.

And now Verstappen has revealed that the now retiring Spaniard was never part of the discussion for Red Bull going forward.

via Imago

“Alonso was not an option for 2019. It’s something I know,” Verstappen said at a sponsor event in the Netherlands.

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“I think I can get along very well with Pierre (Gasly) and I think they have also evaluated that, so I am satisfied knowing that they have chosen him.”

Alonso is expected to make an announcement over his future post-Formula 1 in October, with a switch to NASCAR now reportedly the most likely option as opposed to IndyCar.

But for now, the Spanish veteran will be focused on enjoying the remaining 6 races of his F1 career. With Stoffel Vandoorne also leaving McLaren, the Woking team will be fielding a brand new lineup. their chosen drivers are Carlos Sainz Jr and Lando Norris.

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Sainz’ vacant Renault seat was taken by Daniel Ricciardo and he was replaced by Pierre Gasly. Now, there are several drivers competing for the two Toro Rosso rides. So, the Faenza team is awaiting the right moment to announce at least one driver. But they are seriously spoilt for choice.

via Imago

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Dhruv George

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.
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