Lewis Hamilton held talks with Christian Horner about joining Red Bull before signing his Mercedes contract.
Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton approached Red Bull about the possibility of joining the team before committing his future to his current employers, team principal Christian Horner has sensationally claimed. The Briton has won six of his seven world titles with the Silver Arrows after spending a decade there, but Horner has revealed he held discussions with Hamilton’s camp after being alerted to his potential availability.
After lengthy talks with team owner Toto Wolff, Hamilton and teammate George Russell agreed to a new two-year contract with Mercedes that would keep them there until the end of the 2025 season.
Red Bull and Ferrari denied rumors that the 38-year-old had initiated discussions to consider his options, despite speculation to the contrary from both parties. However, Horner has stoked controversy once more by disclosing that he had talks with the seven-time world champion.
Horner told the Daily Mail, “We have talked about Lewis joining several times over the years.” “They’ve made several attempts to contact. The question of whether there would be any interest was asked most recently, earlier in the year.
However, I don’t see Lewis and Max [Verstappen] working out together. It wouldn’t be the right dynamic. With what we have, we couldn’t be happier.”
Sergio Perez will be Max Verstappen’s partner for the 2024 season, Horner has confirmed, but the Mexican’s future is unclear after his current contract expires. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris are the other names associated with the seat in addition to Hamilton.
He has a competitive rivalry with his counterpart Wolff, so his revelation is probably going to enrage him. It might also elicit a response from Ferrari, whose team principal Fred Vasseur stated that Hamilton was not in discussions to replace Carlos Sainz and work with Charles Leclerc starting in the following season for £40 million annually.
Furthermore, it seems to go against Hamilton’s claim that his only goal in life has been to stay with Mercedes.
Shortly after writing his first book, Hamilton assured Mercedes supporters in a video message at the end of August that there is “nowhere else I would rather be.” However, reports that he spoke with Ferrari and approached Red Bull raise questions about that statement.
Before the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton declared, “I have had such an incredible journey with Mercedes, and we still have unfinished business.”
“Our goal is to return to the pinnacle and resume competing for world titles.” Together, we are in this. Even though we have a lot of work ahead of us, I would much rather be here. I have you all for a little while longer.
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