Horner explains why Alonso will never race for Red Bull

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If there was ever a slight chance of Fernando Alonso racing for Red Bull next season, team boss Christian Horner just squandered that prospect once and for all.

Following Daniel Ricciardo's shock move from the Milton Keynes-based outfit to Renault, a plum seat has emerged at Red Bull Racing, and with it some wild hopes that it could be filled by the two-time world champion whose talent has lingered at McLaren for the past four years.

In a podcast with Formula 1's Tom Clarkson, Horner addressed the speculation and why it will never come to pass.

"I have got huge respect for Fernando," said Horner.

"He’s a great driver, a fantastic driver. But I think it’s very difficult to see… he tends to cause a bit of chaos wherever he’s gone.

"I’m not sure it would be the healthiest thing for the team for Fernando to join the team."

Horner: 'Verstappen strength a large part of Ricciardo's decision'

Having put the Spaniard's case to rest, Horner offered a reminder that Red Bull's philosophy was to choose from within its own family of drivers.

"Our preference would be to continue to invest in youth than take a driver who’s obviously close to the end of his career," he said.

Red Bull's Carlos Sainz, currently on loan to Renault, and Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly are seen as the most likely options when it comes to choosing the driver that will be racing alongside Max Verstappen next year.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.