# Christian Horner's Red Bull Driver Search

> Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner reveals he wanted Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc for 2025 season but both were rejected.
- Title: Christian Horner's Red Bull Driver Search · Motorsport
- Summary: Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner reveals he wanted Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc for 2025 season but both were rejected. Christian Horner says he…
- Keywords: christian horner, red bull racing, fernando alonso, charles leclerc, max verstappen, formula 1, 2025 season, sports, cars, Christian, Horner's, Red
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/christian-horner-wanted-fernando-alonso-and-charles-leclerc-at-red-bull/10865251
- Author: Alex Harrington
- Published: 2026-10-14T18:46:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: christian horner, red bull racing, fernando alonso, charles leclerc, max verstappen, formula 1, 2025 season, sports, cars
## Christian Horner's 2025 Driver Search
Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner revealed he wanted Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc for Red Bull's 2025 driver seat.
## Alonso's Interest in 2025
Alonso confirmed his interest to Horner during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, saying he wanted to drive alongside Max Verstappen next season.
## Verstappen's Team Rejection
Helmut Marko, on behalf of Verstappen's management team, told Horner they were not happy with Alonso's desire to drive alongside Max Verstappen.
## Leclerc's Potential Fit
Horner thought Leclerc was fast, strong over one lap, and had a determined character, making him a good fit for Red Bull's 2025 driver seat.
## Leclerc Rejected Too
Helmut Marko, on behalf of Verstappen's management team, told Horner Leclerc was not a viable option for Red Bull's 2025 driver seat.
## Horner's Disappointment
Horner knew the decision wasn't from Max Verstappen but someone else who decided Red Bull shouldn't sign Alonso or Leclerc for 2025.
## Liam Lawson Promoted
Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson to the 2025 driver seat after both Alonso and Leclerc were rejected, but Horner felt he was too inexperienced for the role.
## Key takeaway

Christian Horner says he tried to sign Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc for Red Bull's 2025 driver seat but both were rejected by Max Verstappen's team.