Christian Horner lifts lid on “serious talks” with Lewis Hamilton about joining Red Bull
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion in Formula One, put an end to rumors this year about his future when he signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes worth over £100 million.
Lewis Hamilton reportedly had “serious talks” with Red Bull and Ferrari before deciding to stay with Mercedes, according to Christian Horner’s startling claims.
The Formula One legend put an end to months of rumors in August when he signed a new two-year contract worth approximately £100 million, extending his career past the age of forty-one. With this team, where he has won six of his seven world championships, the British driver’s career is now all but guaranteed to finish.
There had been rumors of a surprise transfer to Ferrari, which Hamilton correctly denied. However, Horner has now shockingly claimed in a Mail Sport interview that Hamilton’s agents spoke with his own Red Bull team as well as the Scuderia, and they did so more than once.
“We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining,” he stated. “They’ve made several attempts to contact. Most recently, an inquiry concerning potential interest was made earlier this year.”
However, the team principal claimed that Hamilton had the most in-depth discussions with Ferrari. “He met John Elkann (Ferrari chairman), too,” he stated. “I believe substantial discussions had place. It was in the vicinity of Monaco. Undoubtedly, there were discussions perhaps with (Fred) Vasseur, too. But certainly with Elkann.”
For fans, the idea of Hamilton collaborating with Max Verstappen—the man who, in such questionable circumstances, denied him an unprecedented eighth title in Abu Dhabi in 2021—would be quite exciting. However, Horner disclosed that Red Bull was discouraged from pursuing a purchase because of that very idea.
“I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together,” he stated, seemingly giving a nod of confidence to both three-time world champion Verstappen and No. 2 driver Sergio Perez. It wouldn’t be the correct dynamic. With what we have, we couldn’t be happier.”
As of right now, Hamilton’s Formula One career winless streak is the longest it has ever been. It began with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in December 2021.
And regardless of what transpires at the Yas Marina this weekend, he is already assured of finishing in third position this time around.
However, he is a massive 317 points behind leader Verstappen. In the constructors’ championship, Red Bull has also long since dominated; the Silver Arrows are currently in second place, four points ahead of Ferrari.
