Verstappen warns Red Bull of breaking 'tradition' by signing 42-year-old

Max Verstappen has warned Red Bull that signing Fernando Alonso for 2025 would mean breaking its "tradition" of developing and promoting young drivers.

Alonso is currently without a contract for next season and has been linked to both retirement and a move away from Aston Martin.

The two-time world champion has highlighted that he is set to make a decision on whether or not he will continue in F1 before the summer break.

Alonso is rumoured to be an option for Mercedes, whilst Alonso has conceded himself that a seat at Red Bull could have an "impact" over a decision to leave F1 behind.

As things stand, Red Bull has one seat available for 2025, as Sergio Perez's contract expires at the conclusion of this year.

'Weird' to sign Alonso

Red Bull broke the tradition of promoting from within its umbrella when it signed Perez to replace Alex Albon at the end of 2020, a move which Verstappen admits did not fit the way the team previously worked.

While a potential Alonso signing does not faze the three-time world champion, Verstappen believes the move would not make sense for the team.

“I don't care who sits next to me. I also said that to the team," Verstappen told Dutch newspaper De Limburger.

"I always believe in myself and in my opinion I can beat everyone. But if you ask me, I would find it weird to sign a 42-year-old driver.

“Red Bull has always had the tradition of training young drivers itself.

"The signing of Sergio didn't match that trend, and with a 42-year-old driver that's especially the case.

"I can get along with Fernando, that's not my point. But I also look at the future of the team. Ultimately it is up to them to determine who drives where.”