Alonso hits out at 2024 Red Bull rumours, promises “consequences”

If you were tuned into F1’s social media circus last weekend, you won’t have failed to notice the rather sensational murmurs suggesting Fernando Alonso could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2024. Woah.

Can you imagine? That would mean yet another incredible team switch for the two-time world champion, but more importantly the prospect of Max Verstappen being pitted against a driver that’s even remotely close to him in terms of pedigree. Sorry Gasly/Albon/Checo fans.

Too bad that the story - which apparently gathered steam after a Spanish TV journalist allegedly got wind of a huge development within F1 - is just "the normal paddock rumours from people who try to make fun of it and gain some followers”, according to Alonso himself.

Speaking to BBC Sport and others yesterday ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the 42-year-old said: “"You are all journalists, professional people who have been in F1 for many years, and you gained your respect, and this is how it should be.

"The rumours are coming from people who are not in this room, are just there to make fun. And it is not funny when they play with anything… I will make sure there are consequences."

Ooh-er. You can see why the Spaniard was irked: with three races and a sprint to go his Aston Martin team is badly out of form, having started the season with the second-fastest car but now lying in fifth in the constructors’ championship.

And when you’re trying to rally the troops, the last thing you want is someone suggesting that you’re on the verge of deserting the cause.

Alonso has a contract with Aston until the end of 2024. But suppose the chance came his way… he’d be mad to turn it down, right?