Christian Horner wanted Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso at Red Bull. He couldn't get either one.
The Red Bull boss revealed he pursued both drivers to partner Max Verstappen, but the team blocked the moves. Alonso actually expressed interest in joining. That didn't matter. Red Bull said no.
Horner didn't explain why the organization rejected the opportunities. Leclerc, locked into Ferrari, was likely untouchable anyway. But Alonso being available and willing, only to get shut down, points to a deliberate choice by Red Bull's hierarchy. Cost, contract length, performance expectations, or internal politics could all factor in. Horner's willingness to revisit failed pursuits suggests frustration with how things shook out.
What Red Bull ended up doing instead remains unclear from his comments. The statement itself matters though. It confirms active interest in the two most accomplished free agents or potentially available drivers on the market. Red Bull's refusal to move for either one raises questions about the team's direction and decision-making process heading into a new era without Adrian Newey.