Asked about the possibility of teaming Alonso with triple world champion
Sebastian Vettel, Horner said: “It would be interesting. At the end of the
day, we have to do what is right for the team and a pairing that we put
together next year will have to benefit the team. There are statements about
Kimi and statements about Fernando but we have to make sure nothing clouds
our judgement about next year. We want the two fastest drivers we can get
who can work collectively together and achieve the best results for the
team.”
Both Alonso and Vettel are on long-term contracts at their respective teams,
although there have long been rumours that the German will eventually head
to Ferrari. It was speculated on Sunday that Alonso might simply be trying
to put pressure on his team, as they seek to catch up to Red Bull, and that
Horner was allowing the rumour to circulate as it not only helped in
negotiations with Raikkonen but destabilised a key rival.
Alonso was fined €15,000 after finishing fifth in Sunday’s Hungarian Grand
Prix for illegal use of his DRS.