Alonso’s Comeback on the Cards as Horner Targets Perez for a Dual-Purpose Team Strengthening Move!

Following Perez’s underwhelming fifth-place finish in the Australian F1 Grand Prix, rumors have resurfaced about his potential replacement at Red Bull at the end of the season. Despite solid performances in the opening races, Perez has clearly fallen out of favor with Horner.

It is rumored that Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner has initiated plans to bring Alonso in as a replacement for Perez, with a promise of full support from Horner and the Red Bull team. Horner had previously shown admiration for Alonso during the Vettel era, attempting to sign him, but the move was thwarted by opposition from Marko and Dietrich Mateschitz’s son.

However, following Horner’s “sexual harassment” case, his influence within the Red Bull F1 team has unexpectedly increased, making this high-profile driver swap a more viable prospect. While Perez’s current abilities are adequate for Red Bull’s dominant car, they may not suffice when the major rule changes in 2026 reduce the team’s advantage.

Despite being the oldest driver on the grid, Alonso’s experience, speed, and racing skills remain unparalleled in Formula 1. Replacing Perez with Alonso would not only address a weakness in the driver lineup but also lay the groundwork for maximizing team points.

More significantly, signing Alonso would significantly bolster Horner’s position within the Red Bull F1 team. Previously, top driver Verstappen had aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Marko. Alonso’s arrival would likely pose a substantial threat to Verstappen, potentially ending any lingering tensions between them.

Faced with this scenario, Horner could easily demonstrate that he, rather than Marko’s claimed astuteness in spotting the “Dutch prodigy,” has been the key to Red Bull’s F1 success over the years. This would also mean that the Red Bull car is not solely tailored to Verstappen’s driving style, but rather possesses significant advantages in general.