Christian Horner’s forthcoming book Drive discloses that the 2025 Red Bull 2025 seat was blocked for Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc by Helmut Marko, according to the former team principal’s account.
Alonso’s Bid Rejected
During the Japanese Grand Prix of 2024, Alonso, then with Aston Martin, told Horner he wanted to partner Max Verstappen next season. Horner later noted that Helmut Marko, acting on behalf of Verstappen’s management, declined the proposal. Horner stresses the decision was unrelated to Verstappen himself.
Leclerc’s Name Dropped
Horner then approached Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, believing his speed and team‑player mindset could fill the vacancy if Sergio Perez fell further behind. Marko again rose to the occasion, advising Horner to shelve the idea. Horner dismisses it as an external recommendation, not a choice from Verstappen.
In‑House Option and Aftermath
With the big names sidelined, Horner moved to Liam Lawson, who had accumulated only eleven F1 starts. Lawson’s brief stint was followed by a return to Red Bull’s sister team, leading Horner to publicly express regret over the promotion. A final name in the narrative was Carlos Sainz, who discussed a potential 2026 move during a visit to Horner’s home. Sainz’s experience and team orientation impressed the principal.
Horner’s verdict reveals that the direct driver‑selection authority rested with others in the organisation, a fact that reshapes our understanding of Red Bull’s internal decision matrix.
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