Fernando Alonso confirms he was offered a Red Bull seat before he announced his retirement. Daniel Ricciardo's vacant seat will be taken up by Pierre Gasly.
Alonso has spent the last few seasons struggling with McLaren but dismissed the opportunity to race with one of the 'big three' teams. Next season, Red Bull begin their partnership with Honda. This could have been another factor which put of the two-time World Champion.
"From one of the top three teams, l already had an offer a couple of times this year," Alonso told Sky Sports F1.
"Formula 1 is not giving me the challenges I'm looking for at the moment."
Later in the interview, he confirmed he meant Red Bull. In the press conference this afternoon, Alonso said he may well contemplate returning in the future, but it is not at the forefront of his mind.
"For me, it is a bye-bye, but who knows - things change quickly. I am leaving the door open as I don't know what will happen in the future," Alonso added.
