F1 news is now flooded with “silly season” rumours. An attentive Red Bull social media admin is well aware, giving a nod to Fernando Alonso.
For all the controversy and action that F1 provides on track, the off-track shenanigans can be equally entertaining. Despite both Red Bull and Aston Martin having confirmed lineups for 2024, rumours continue to circulate about driver changes. One of the official Red Bull accounts seems well aware of this, based on a recent post on social media.
The whirlwind of speculation started after the Mexican GP, courtesy of a cryptic message from Albert Fabrega. The Spanish journalist is well respected within F1 circles, known for his technical insight and connections within the paddock. As a result, this post soon went viral:
No me quiero creer el rumor que me han dicho ahora en el paddock. No.
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) October 30, 2023
The F1 world sent into a frenzy
In the hours since this was posted, a cascade of different rumours has been postulated. The majority have been linked to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, largely due to Fabrega himself being Spanish. In response to the widespread response to his unclear message, Fabrega spoke further on the matter. However, he did not reveal specifically what paddock rumour he was referring to. The only hint he gave was that it isn’t something he would like to see become a reality.
Of course, this doesn’t really provide any additional information. Furthermore, the lack of any actual substance leaves everything to the imagination. In this respect, F1 fans have had little trouble in creating theories for what may be transpiring.
With this climate in mind, one of Red Bull’s social media accounts released this only hours ago. It’s worth noting, of course, that this is the official Red Bull Spain (España) account:
🤫
— Red Bull España (@redbullESP) October 30, 2023
De La Rosa adds fuel to the fire
Unsurprisingly, this has created a tremendous response from across the F1 community. This was almost certainly the aim of the post, which – at least for now – has no substance. Helmut Marko might have been highly complimentary of Fernando Alonso in 2023, but there is nothing to suggest that such a blockbuster move will happen.
All evidence, as it has done throughout 2023, is that Alonso will continue with Aston Martin. Still, it is amusing to see Aston Martin F1 Ambassador – Pedro de la Rosa – adding fuel to the fire. As a close friend of Alonso, a fellow Spaniard and former F1 driver, it is surprising he would add to this speculation.
Perhaps he doesn’t realise the implications of this message, but the timing is certainly… questionable.
“I’d rather be optimistic and wrong than pessimistic and right.”🙌 Elon Musk
— Pedro de la Rosa (@PedrodelaRosa1) October 30, 2023
These reports will almost certainly vanish before the Brazilian GP weekend begins. Still, at least for now, it is amusing to observe the wide spectrum of reactions on social media to this surprise chapter of “silly season.”
