Christian Horner reveals why Hamilton/Alonso partnering Max Verstappen would not work.
Christian Horner will not bring another ‘alpha’ driver into Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen as he believes it would ‘tear the team apart’.
The conversation with Red Bull’s drivers has become one of the hot topics this season, as Sergio Perez struggles to keep up with Verstappen’s pace.
While the Dutchman has enjoyed a winning streak, reaching the top podium in 13 of the 16 Grands Prix, PĂ©rez has just two wins to his name and will at best finish this season in the top spot. Monday for his team. -mate in Driver rankings.
Christian Horner talks about ‘balance’ in the Red Bull squad
Perez’s tumultuous season leaves debate in Formula 1 about who will be the car alongside Verstappen with Daniel Ricciardo, returning to the AlphaTauri line-up full-time next season, expected to be next in line in as Super replacement Liam Lawson was expected to go straight into the squad. Perez headquarters. But whoever gets the job after Perez, with Lando Norris also linked with the race seat, they need to understand that at Red Bull they want someone to “balance” the track, not someone who wants to challenge Verstappen for the race seat. “alpha” intelligence.
When asked if he would ever consider Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso as a second driver, Horner told Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle:
“If you put too strict alphas on a team, it will cause the team to fall apart.
“So I think you always want to get the balance right. This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder Red Bull sided with Perez, insisting the Mexican driver will remain Verstappen’s teammate next season.
The 33-year-old is not only a confirmed winner but is also second in the championship, with Helmut Marko having previously said this was a target he must achieve to retain his seat. Horner confirmed Red Bull will provide Perez with all the necessary support to achieve this.
“He can do it, he can finish second in the championship. He will have our full support to achieve this,” he said.
I think if Checo just focused on being the best he could be, instead of trying too hard to beat Max, I think his results would come naturally.
