Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has admitted to holding discussions with Fernando Alonso and his manager, Flavio Briatore, earlier this year.

Before the reigning constructors’ champions rode out a turbulent period of political turmoil behind the scenes, Sergio Perez’s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024 season and Max Verstappen was rumoured to be assessing his options.

Perez has since signed a two-year extension, noise around Verstappen’s future has cooled, and Alonso has committed his long-term future to Aston Martin.

Speaking on what could have been, Horner explained: “At that time, Sergio’s contract hadn’t been extended, so as Fernando is a seasoned operator, he always wants to know all of his options. Between him and his manager or advisor of many years, Flavio, they’re always testing the market, and it just shows how hungry and competitive he is.

“He’s still delivering at 43 years of age. He’s still in great shape and it shows that age is just a number. He’s still a very, very capable Grand Prix driver, and given the tools, I’m sure he’d be at the front.”

Now well into his forties and preparing for his 400th Grand Prix, Alonso remains Aston Martin’s big hitter with more than twice as many Drivers’ Championship points as team-mate Lance Stroll this year.

The deal the Spaniard signed with Aston will take him up to the age of 45 and includes the offer of an ambassadorial role in retirement. This year was not the first time Red Bull were hot on Alonso’s heels, and Horner has shed light on the numerous times he and Adrian Newey have tried to charm him.

“At the end of his McLaren stint in 2008, I remember going to Madrid and pushing to get him in the car,” said the Red Bull boss. “Even halfway through the 2009 season, he was convinced if he got in our car, he could still win the championship that year.

“We then had a conversation; I remember meeting with him with Adrian in the back of a hire car at Spa Airport. I think that was around 2011 or 2012, about coming across from Ferrari and then even as early as the beginning of this year.

“It’s incredible the longevity that he’s had, the competitiveness that he has, and the ability he has. Two world championships don’t do him justice. He should have won more than that.”