Christian Horner held ‘talks’ with one-time F1 champion to partner Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull instead of Daniel Ricciardo

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Red Bull have been the home of two of the most dominant drivers in Formula 1 history and they have a knack of signing some of the best talent in the sport.

Considering the homegrown approach to Red Bull’s seats, it’s rare that the team looks at external candidates.

Sergio Perez is the only non-junior driver to drive for them since 2013, when Mark Webber was still with the team.

Back then there was a new and upcoming crop of Formula 1 drivers, but Red Bull had a big decision to make for 2014. Sign their young talent Daniel Ricciardo or find a more experienced option.

Red Bull were criticised for Ricciardo’s exit in 2024, but he did manage eight race victories for them and had a very successful career.

Before they decided on the Aussie for 2014, they very nearly signed a one-time champion who was set to become available at the end of his contract.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko claims Daniel Ricciardo shook on Red Bull drive before he ‘listened more’ to Renault

Red Bull held ‘talks’ with Kimi Raikkonen for 2014 F1 drive before Daniel Ricciardo decision

With an expiring contract at Lotus after the 2013 season, Kimi Raikkonen – who had shone since his return to the sport the year prior, was on the lookout for a new drive.

He had a close friendship with Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull had an opening after the announcement of Mark Webber’s retirement.

Team principal of the Milton Keynes-based outfit Christian Horner admitted to the F1 website that talks were held, but they couldn’t quite get them over the line.

“Yes, we had some talks with Kimi, you know, back when there was a choice to who to replace Mark Webber,” he said.

“Kimi, after his comeback from his sabbatical [from 2010-12], he’d obviously had a relationship with Red Bull during his rallying time and the beginning of his career.

“We’d had some discussions, but it didn’t quite come to play. He’s had a remarkable career; he’s an icon of the sport; it’s more of a case of what he doesn’t say than what he does say but I think he’s going to be greatly missed. He’s had a phenomenal career and obviously, still competitive in his 40s.”

READ MORE: Red Bull used Kimi Raikkonen-inspired technique this week to improve Sergio Perez’s performance

What happened to Kimi Raikkonen in Formula 1 after 2014?

After failing to agree a deal with Red Bull, Raikkonen would go on to return to the team he won his drivers’ championship with back in 2007.

He would have to wait four years before getting a victory with Ferrari at the 2018 United States Grand Prix, just a handful of events before he was replaced by Charles Leclerc for 2019.

Strangely, before his second stint, Raikkonen was ‘very happy’ Ferrari cancelled his contract for 2010 as it meant he got paid to take a break from racing.

He didn’t stop getting behind the wheel and joined the World Rally Championship before returning to Formula 1 in 2012 with Lotus.