In the latest buzz amongst Formula 1 insiders, "completely new rumours" involving Fernando Alonso and Red Bull are making the rounds, as per insights from ex-F1 competitor Ralf Schumacher.
Despite the reduced gossip in Melbourne linked to the Christian Horner controversy and Red Bull's internal struggles, the narrative suggests a minor oversight by a mechanic - possibly an overlooked fastener on a brake caliper - could be linked to whispers about Max Verstappen considering leaving Red Bull.
Schumacher suggests connecting the dots between Verstappen's first DNF in two years and his Red Bull exit might be overreaching.
"Of course it's just a small thing, and of course it's just a coincidence," he commented to Sky Deutschland.
"But it also shows that this whole discussion about Christian Horner is not leaving the team unscathed. They are talking about a careless mistake when screwing the brakes together, but of course they don't know any more details yet."
F1 icon Mario Andretti shared with La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Max's retirement was an accident."
"But I find it difficult to accept that the brake failure was caused by a mistake by one of the mechanics. It's clear that this tense environment continues to affect everyone," added the 1978 world champion.
Despite the lull in public discourse about the Horner affair in Melbourne, Schumacher observes that "the team is still pretty divided, that there are tensions with Max's father, and that Max is thinking about an alternative."
Verstappen even criticized his pit crew in Melbourne for the "f***ing stupid" decision to change all his tyres when he retired due to a stuck rear brake, which then caught fire.
"I was angry because they wanted to do a pitstop even though the car was on fire," the Dutch racer acknowledged.
Horner sought to pacify the situation.
"That was a completely natural reaction after something like that," he stated. "In the garage, he was then very friendly again, even when he came to the wall. He just wanted to understand exactly what was going on."
Yet, Schumacher believes Horner is genuinely contemplating an alternative to Verstappen. Rumours swirl that the team leader is irate after discovering a subsequently-added clause in the Dutch driver's long-term contract could allow for its termination.
"There are completely new rumours now," Schumacher revealed, amidst reports that Horner met with Fernando Alonso's agent, Flavio Briatore, before the Australian event.
"Christian Horner has always been a very, very big fan of Fernando's," Ralf disclosed. "There are apparently big intentions in the background to bring Fernando into the cockpit next year in order to have another great driver in case Max Verstappen leaves the team."
After Melbourne, La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted, "When Max has a problem, Red Bull do not win. It shows just how important Verstappen is for the team."
"His pole lap in Albert Park was nothing short of monstrous."
Schumacher views Alonso as an exemplary successor.
"We saw what Alonso did again this weekend," he reflected post-Melbourne. "He was fast, the way he prevented George Russell from overtaking him. I think he knows what he wants and he would fit in well."
"You'd also have to say that, these days, you need experienced people. You have to be able to win right from the start. This is very, very important, especially at Red Bull, and I think Fernando Alonso would be a good alternative to Max."
Regarding the veteran Spanish driver, a former two-time champion, Ralf mentioned, "If he could get in a Red Bull at the end of his career, a car with which he can win again, then of course that's something he definitely wants."
Thus, Schumacher posits that if the Alonso to Red Bull rumours hold water, Verstappen might consider transitioning to Mercedes.
"Max speaks German," he quipped, "and his personality would also fit in at Mercedes. Of course, I don't think it's progressed that far yet. But theoretically he could get out of his contract, because his contract is more or less linked to Helmut Marko." body check tags ::
