Sky Sports F1 Podcast: Fernando Alonso to Red Bull 'non-starter' as Craig Slater expects Aston Martin stay
Listen to the Sky Sports F1 Podcast as Matt Baker, Craig Slater and Tommo discuss Sergio Perez's troubles, Lando Norris' form, Fernando Alonso's future and a whole lot more - watch this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix live on Sky Sports, Sunday's race starts at 5pm
Wednesday 1 November 2023 12:43, UK
Who will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season?
Sergio Perez currently has that seat but his place appears in jeopardy after a trying season, while former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo is eager to return.
But what about the wildcard option of Fernando Alonso, whose name has entered the rumour mill over the last few days?
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- Listen to all Sky Sports F1 Podcasts
Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater is having none of it, saying on the latest Sky Sports F1 Podcast: "Can we get rid of the elephant in the room which is Fernando Alonso potentially going to Red Bull?!
"My understanding is that is a non-starter, it is not going to happen.
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"As much as they admire Alonso and what he can do, he is not above Ricciardo, as far as I understand it, as an option to drive for that team next year.
"This is not coming officially from the team but it is not going to happen.
"Some senior and well-placed people have told me that maybe Alonso's management have been doing their due diligence again and assessing whether there are any better options for him next year.
"Perhaps that has been inflated into a 'he is going to take Perez's seat rather than Ricciardo'."
So, if it's not Red Bull, what about retirement?
"Is he so pessimistic about Aston next year that he might not carry on?" Slater added of Alonso, 42.
"The appetite for Aston Martin to carry on with Alonso is still pretty strong and I think it is most likely that he carries on with Aston Martin."
Also on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, on which Craig and Matt Baker were joined by F1 content creator Tommo, the prospect of Lando Norris moving to Red Bull was discussed.
The panel assessed, too, whether the Sprint format has worked this season.
Listen to the latest Sky Sports F1 Podcast in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
