Helmut Marko suggests that Fernando Alonso is responsible for the latest rumours linking him to a Red Bull move.
Only moments ago, Fernando Alonso denied the rumours linking him to a Red Bull move for 2024. The Spaniard is clearly unimpressed, even telling the media he will “make sure there are consequences” for this speculation spreading.
Regardless of what this entails specifically, it is clear that Alonso is unhappy with the narrative that grew among F1 circles. Despite this, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes the Double World Champion played a part in sparking these rumours.
It is difficult to imagine the Spaniard would be responsible for a narrative which – as he explained quite clearly – he is unhappy with. Moreover, the latest social media storm has also proven something of a headache for Aston Martin.
Still, Marko claims that Alonso has a track record of using “home media” to create controversy:
“As for the rumours about Alonso, I can well imagine that Alonso spread them himself,” he told f1-insider.
“Because his results with Aston Martin have been disappointing after a brilliant start to the season.
“It wouldn’t be the first time he used his home media to create a mood.”
The Red Bull advisor continued by emphasising that Sergio Perez will continue at Red Bull next season, in accordance with his contract.
Only a few weeks ago, Helmut Marko described Fernando Alonso as the only driver capable of matching Max Verstappen in the same machinery. Evidently, Marko’s tone towards the Aston Martin driver has taken a very different direction.
Ultimately, suggestions that Alonso and Verstappen would become teammates were – at best – unrealistic. Although most discussions about this hypothetical were from fans, it shows how quickly narratives can form in F1.
In today’s media interviews, it seems likely both parties will be asked for comment on this issue. Luckily for Alonso and Red Bull, things should calm down once practice and qualifying begins. In Formula 1, conversations can dissipate with the same rapidness as they first began.
Until then, the relevant stakeholders will almost certainly be forced to dismiss this speculation.
