Here's Alonso And Ricciardo's Response To Rumors Of Moving To Red Bull Team

Aston Martin racer Fernando Alonso advanced during the F1 GP Singapore race practice session at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore (15/9/2023). BETWEEN PHOTOS/Andy Chua/aww.

JAKARTA - Two Formula 1 riders Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo denied rumors saying they would leave their current team, Aston Martin and AlphaTauri, to join the Red Bull team next season.

Alonso said he would not leave Aston Martin to take Sergio Perez's seat, in order to become a teammate of the world champion this season, Max Verstappen, in the coming year.

"This is an ordinary rumor from people to get followers (on social media). I make sure there will be consequences (for those who spread false rumors)," said Alonso, quoted from AFP, as reported by Antara, Friday, November 2.

On the other hand, Ricciardo also denied the wide news that he was ready to replace Perez and emphasized that he was happy to be back racing in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri.

The 34-year-old Australian, who finished seventh at the Mexican Grand Prix last week, said he was only focused on AlphaTauri and maintained better performance.

"Everything in my contract next year, related to AlphaTauri, that's all," he said.

His strong performance was the team's best this season and raised AlphaTauri from number 10 to eighth in the constructors' championship.

"I haven't been here long, but for them to be ranked 10 constructors and jump two places in two weekends is a huge thing," said Ricciardo.

"I think it creates a very happy atmosphere around everyone. I love doing that and I will try to keep going where I am," he added.

The Australian's return to his best form after recovering from a broken hand sparked widespread speculation that he would be promoted from Red Bull's junior team to their senior team.

However, Red Bull team leader Christian Horner has so far maintained his confidence in Perez, who was knocked out in last Sunday's race in Mexico at the first corner, and said the team would help him regain his confidence.

Previously, Ricciardo himself had been in the Red Bull team from the 2016 to 2018 seasons, with world champion Verstappen.

Verstappen said he had not had any talks about changing his team-mates. However, the Dutchman said he enjoyed his relationship with Perez and Ricciardo.

"I always had a good relationship with Daniel when we were teammates and I also had a good relationship with Checo, so it's not fair to say who I chose," said Verstappen.

"I'm not the one who made this decision because I'm very focused on my own performance," he added.