Seven-time world F1 champion Lewis Hamilton this year ended speculation his future by signing a two-year extension to his contract with Mercedes worth around £100million
Christian Horner has explosively claimed that Lewis Hamilton held “serious talks” with both Red Bull and Ferrari before opting to extend his stay at Mercedes.
The F1 icon ended months of speculation in August by agreeing a new two-year deal worth around £100million, which will take him past his 41st birthday. The British driver is now almost certain to end his career with the team where he has secured six of his seven world titles.
There had been talk of a shock move to Ferrari, links that Hamilton duly dismissed. But in an interview with Mail Sport, Horner has now sensationally argued that Hamilton’s representatives contacted not only the Scuderia but his own Red Bull team, and not for the first time.
“Over the years, we’ve had multiple discussions regarding Lewis joining,” he remarked. “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 more in-depth discussions with Ferrari. He also mentioned meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann. “I believe serious discussions took place. It was in the vicinity of Monaco. There were undoubtedly discussions, possibly even with (Fred) Vasseur. However, with Elkann, for sure.”
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 extremely intriguing. However, Horner disclosed that Red Bull was discouraged from pursuing a deal because of that very idea.
“I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together,” he said, seemingly giving a nod of confidence to both three-time world champion Verstappen and No. 2 driver Sergio Perez. It wouldn’t be the right 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 now assured of finishing in third place 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.
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