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Fernando Alonso has dismissed speculation linking him with a move from Aston Martin to Red Bull and has promised “consequences” for those behind the rumours.
Following last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, rumours began to circulate on social media that Alonso could next season be paired with world champion Max Verstappen at the constructors’ champions.
Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater rubbished the reports on Tuesday’s episode of the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, and speaking ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, Alonso echoed that sentiment while expressing his frustration.
These rumours are the normal paddock rumours from people that are just trying to make fun of it and gain some followers and this kind of thing, but I’m not into that game,” the two-time world champion said on Thursday.
Alonso and Aston Martin’s form was the feel-good story of the opening weeks of the season as the team made a remarkable leap forward from finishing seventh in last year’s constructors’ standings to being Red Bull’s closest challenger.
Alonso finished on the podium in six of the first eight races, but the team’s form has fallen away dramatically with the Spaniard managing just two point-scoring displays in the last five Grands Prix, with retirements coming in each of the last two races.
Aston Martin’s poor form, which doesn’t bode well for their 2024 prospects, led some to question how willing Alonso will be to remain with the team, while Sergio Perez’s continued struggles alongside Verstappen have created a possible opening with Red Bull.
Alonso says he is annoyed by his loyalty to Aston Martin being brought into question.
“Of course, that’s the thing they are making,” he added. “But I will make sure there are consequences.”
Aston Martin’s failure this season has been failing to match the development of their rivals at the front of the grid, with Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren – and of course Red Bull – doing a far better job of improving their cars throughout the campaign.
While Aston Martin took the opportunity of having a traditional race weekend – with three practice sessions – in Mexico to test several elements of the AMR23, Brazil hosting a third Sprint event in four Grands Prix means just one practice session before the cars go into parc ferme at Interlagos.