Fernando Alonso makes threat amid Red Bull links and Sergio Perez swap rumours

02 November 2023 , 15:40

909     0

Fernando Alonso is not happy with F1 rumours regarding his future (Image: Getty Images)

Fernando Alonso threatened "consequences" for those spreading false gossip about the Spaniard's Formula 1 future.

The F1 rumour mill went into overdrive this week after a cryptic tweet from a very well-known journalist. Spanish pit lane reporter Albert Fabrega posted that he "didn't want to believe" a rumour he had heard – but did not specify what it was about.

That gave high-profile social media accounts and some news outlets the opportunity to speculate over what he might be referring to and some of those theories gained more traction than others.

One was regarding Alonso, suggesting the 42-year-old might be signed by Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen next season. An add-on to that rumour claimed Sergio Perez might move the other way to fill the seat the Spaniard would vacate at Aston Martin.

There is no truth whatsoever behind the rumour. As reported by on Monday , Perez does not plan to leave Red Bull at the end of this season or retire from F1, while the team will not be signing Alonso for 2024.

Sebastian Vettel warns of looming F1 ban and is "very worried about the future"

And Alonso has now personally addressed the speculation. Speaking to reporters in Sao Paulo ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, the Spaniard was obviously very annoyed about the claims.

"It is just rumours, normal paddock rumours, from people that are just trying to make fun of it and gain some followers, and these kinds of things," he said. "But I'm not into that game... I am not enjoying [it].

"I appreciate that all of you are journalists, professional people, that have been in F1 for so many years. You gain your respect, and this is how it should be. So, all the rumours are coming from people that are not in this room, are just here to make fun.

"I think it's not funny when they play with anything... Of course, that's the thing that they are making, but I will make sure that there are consequences."

There is little doubting that Alonso is not thrilled with his current situation. Having begun the season so strongly and provided their star driver with plenty of podium opportunities, Aston Martin have lost the car development war and have spent the second half of the year scrapping for minor points.

"Obviously, we are not happy," he explained. "No-one is happy with the current form. But at the same time, I said a few races ago, this team was 250 people two years ago, now we are in this transition to be hopefully a contender for the future with 800 people, and a new factory... We should not be happy, but we cannot even be too dramatic about the situation when this 2023 campaign has been a super season for us."

Daniel Moxon