“I had conversations with Red Bull”– Fernando Alonso on teams approaching him before Alpine

“I had conversations with Red Bull”– Fernando Alonso on F1 teams approaching him before he signed with Alpine in 2021.

Fernando Alonso had a gigantic farewell in 2018, only to return after two years in Formula 1, as he signed with Alpine to represent them with Esteban Ocon.

The Spaniard now has revealed that it was not only the French team that contacted him before his return, it was also Red Bull, who were apparently looking at options to replace Alex Albon.

“I had no conversations with Mercedes, some had with Red Bull,” said Alonso in an interview with Marca. However, as it is obvious, the talks never developed and Red Bull chose Sergio Perez.

On the other hand, Alonso had more experience with Alpine (erstwhile Renault), with whom he has won two world championships, and became one of the most decorated drivers in F1’s history.

Wouldn’t have come if new regulations weren’t introduced

Alonso then claimed that he would have made no return to Formula 1 if the new regulations weren’t formed, which apparently intends to give a level field to all the teams.

“I would not have returned to F1 without the new 2022 rules. I would like to say that I can be the champion, but I don’t know. The big teams have the oven ready and the rest of us have a lot to do and test. For next year all teams have the dream of catching up with the leaders ”

I hope Carlos Sainz becomes a champion

Carlos Sainz has shown no lack of love for Alonso ever since he came to F1, in return Alonso hopes that his compatriot one day becomes a world champion, but warns it will be immensely difficult.

“I hope so, but I would not like to put that pressure on him. It is not easy. There are few champions and many drivers.”

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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