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Fernando Alonso’s Red Bull Regret: The Missed Opportunity That Could’ve Changed F1 History

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 27, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Fernando Alonso’s Red Bull Regret: The Missed Opportunity That Could’ve Changed F1 History

Oct 20, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso (14) of Team Spain before the start of the 2024 Formula One US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Fernando Alonso has revealed a captivating “what could have been” moment in his career, confessing how close he came to joining Red Bull during a pivotal time in the team’s rise to dominance. The two-time Formula 1 World Champion’s candid reflection highlights a decision that might have rewritten the sport’s history and his own legacy.


Alonso’s Rise and Unpredictable Career Trajectory

Alonso, who debuted with Minardi in 2001, rose to prominence with Renault, securing consecutive world championships in 2005 and 2006. Despite these achievements, his career trajectory took unpredictable turns. His tumultuous 2007 season with McLaren, a return to Renault, and a competitive but title-less stint at Ferrari all painted a picture of immense talent often thwarted by timing and circumstances.

In 2008, amidst his return to Renault, Alonso found himself on the cusp of a career-defining move. Red Bull, still in its early years and far from the powerhouse it would become, approached Alonso with a compelling offer.


The Meetings That Almost Made History

Alonso revealed two crucial discussions with Red Bull’s top brass—Adrian Newey and Christian Horner—that could have seen him piloting the Red Bull RB5 instead of Sebastian Vettel. One meeting, held at London’s Heathrow Airport, laid the groundwork, while another, more clandestine conversation took place in a car park at Belgium’s Spa Airport.

“We were in that car park, sitting in the back seats, both of us at night, talking about the possibility,” Alonso recalled.

At the time, Alonso was also in advanced talks with Ferrari for 2009 or 2010, a factor that influenced his decision to forego the Red Bull opportunity. Red Bull ultimately placed its bet on a young Sebastian Vettel, a move that proved transformational for the team.


Red Bull’s Uncertain Future at the Time

Alonso’s hesitancy stemmed from Red Bull’s unproven track record. As of 2008, the team had only achieved one podium finish—David Coulthard’s second place at Monaco. Red Bull was largely perceived as an “energy drink company” trying to break into the serious business of Formula 1.

“To predict that they will win seven or eight championships in the next decade, it was not totally guaranteed,” Alonso admitted.

This mirrors the skepticism Lewis Hamilton faced when leaving McLaren for Mercedes in 2013—a move that seemed questionable at the time but ultimately led to six additional world titles.


The Road Not Taken

Hindsight makes Alonso’s decision a tantalizing “what if.” Red Bull went on to dominate the sport, winning four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with Vettel from 2010 to 2013. Meanwhile, Alonso’s Ferrari years were defined by near-misses, finishing second in the championship three times.

Alonso reflected on the unpredictable nature of such decisions, saying:

“When Lewis changed from McLaren to Mercedes… [there were] a lot of critics. Now he’s a seven-time world champion. It’s the same with Ferrari—you don’t know what Lewis will achieve next year. If Ferrari does well and wins a championship, it’s a great move.”


Alonso’s Present and Future

Now competing with Aston Martin, Alonso remains one of the grid’s most formidable drivers, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Signed through 2026, the Spaniard is hopeful for another shot at championship glory, perhaps proving that his journey, though unconventional, still has chapters left to write.

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