Red Bull’s Max Verstappen: Forbidden to Follow Alonso’s Footsteps in 2017
Red Bull Racing has officially put the brakes on any plans Max Verstappen might have had to pull a Fernando Alonso-style stunt from 2017. Verstappen recently made headlines by testing a Ferrari GT3 car during an F1 off-weekend, sparking speculation about his potential ventures into other racing series. However, team principal Christian Horner has made it crystal clear that while Verstappen can explore his passion for diverse racing disciplines, skipping any F1 races is completely off the table.
In a jaw-dropping move back in 2017, Fernando Alonso shocked the motorsport world by opting to miss the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix to compete elsewhere. Amid McLaren’s on-track struggles, Alonso seized the opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500, a decision that was initially suggested in jest by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. Surprisingly, Alonso took the offer seriously, paving the way for him to trade his F1 cockpit for a shot at the iconic American race. While the Spaniard’s Indy 500 debut was cut short due to an engine failure, his bold move highlighted a departure from the norms of modern Formula 1.
The possibility of Verstappen venturing beyond F1 has ignited excitement among motorsport enthusiasts following his Ferrari GT3 test at the Nürburgring. Speculations about Verstappen’s impressive lap times during the test have piqued curiosity about his potential participation in non-F1 races. Despite his versatility and passion for various racing disciplines, Horner has firmly stated that Verstappen will not be allowed to emulate Alonso’s crossover exploits by missing any F1 events. While Red Bull appreciates Verstappen’s enthusiasm for different forms of motorsport, his primary focus must remain on his responsibilities in Formula 1.
As conflicts between major racing events continue to arise on the calendar, the likelihood of Verstappen trying his hand at other series remains uncertain. With races like the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans often overlapping with F1 weekends, the window for Verstappen to explore alternative racing ventures appears narrow. Fans eager to witness Verstappen’s foray into a different racing series may have to exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity when the Dutch driver can temporarily step away from his commitments in Formula 1.