The spat between Fernando Alonso and Christian Horner is still lingering in the paddock after an explosive week of revelations by Fernando Alonso that Red Bull had pursued him (relentlessly!) for over a decade, most recently to replace Daniel Ricciardo, claims that the energy drinks team chief has categorically denied.
But Alonso has proof, "From Red Bull, in fact, I had in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and two this year – one in Monaco and one in August. It has been weird and unfair to me. I wrote to Christian after his comments this summer. He apologised on email..."
A copy of the email below was sent to us anonymously. Could this be the real apology email to Alonso from Horner?
From: Christian Horner <[email protected]>
To: Fernando Alonso <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Driving for Red Bull in 2019
Status: Alternative Facts
Date: Thursday, August 17, 2018 11:56
Size: 279 KB
To: Fernando Alonso <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Driving for Red Bull in 2019
Status: Alternative Facts
Date: Thursday, August 17, 2018 11:56
Size: 279 KB
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Dear Fernando
Apologies that we messed around with regards to you replacing Daniel in our team. It was a serious offer as you well know, I really meant it when I called you to join us and I am glad you were big enough to put our differences aside.
I admit the "causing chaos" quote was provocative, but I was 'playing the game' as you well know. I wanted our chats to go under the radar for obvious reasons. I learned a lesson from Cyril when he raided Dan.
Anyway, as mentioned I was very, very keen to have you in the team at last. This time it was close - that's why I called you first - but Helmut does not like you at all. In fact, it was nasty him who said you were "chaos" and I was just the messenger. Sorry again, my bad.
Dietrich, Helmut, Max and I discussed this for hours, but we could not agree so we decided to vote and it was close: Helmut and Dietrich said no, whereas Max and I were yes.
It was two-for and two-against you, so as a tie-breaker it was Helmut versus Max playing 'rock, paper, scissors' and we lost!
Reasons Helmut and Dietrich provided that we could not argue against include:
- Fernando causes chaos wherever he goes;
- Fernando burned bridges with Honda who will power us next year;
- Fernando is doing WEC with Toyota until the middle of next year. Honda? Toyota? How?
- Fernando versus Max will not be pretty;
- Fernando is a healthy 37-years-old and our target market is decadent E-popping young ravers;
- Why pay $40-million for Alonso when we can get Pierre for four mil?
- We have always promoted drivers through Toro Rosso to the big team;
- The prospect of weekends with Flavio in the Red Bull garage;
- We don't want to play in Indycar or the Indy 500;
- WTF is the Triple Crown? Who cares?
- That damn Kimoa cap!
I am embarrassed because I know these are nonsensical and crazy reasons to keep you out of the team.
Instead, we opted to promote young Pierre which left me totally gutted that we again missed out on working with a driver of your great status and calibre. I personally think this is a big mistake.
I tried hard to convince the old-timers but it ended in a draw and for the tie-breaker, Max went 'paper' and Helmut flipped the 'scissors' and that was that.
My amigo, thank you for understanding and know I will always regret not having the ability to convince you to sign with us in the past.
This fact will go down as one of my biggest failings as leader of this team, we could have made you a six or seven times F1 World Champion instead you walk away with only two.
I hope that you accept this apology and the reasoning behind our decision as detailed above.
In closing would you be so kind and keep this between us, would hate this to get out there in the public domain.
Big hug and thank you for understanding, Christian Horner - Team Principal Red Bull Racing Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
loading
Latest News
Loading
