Christian Horner has explosively claimed that Lewis Hamilton had “serious discussions” with Red Bull and Ferrari before opting to extend his stay at Mercedes.
The F1 icon ended months of hypothetication in August by signing a new two-year contract worth around £100m, which will see him surpass his 41st birthday. It is now almost certain that the British driver will finish his career with the team where he has won six. of his seven world titles.
There had been talk of a surprise move to Ferrari, links that Hamilton duly dismissed. But in an interview with Mail Sport, Horner sensationally argued that Hamilton’s representatives had only contacted the Scuderia and also his own Red Bull team, and that it was not the first time.
“We’ve had a number of conversations over the years about Lewis coming in,” he said. “They contacted us several times. More recently, earlier this year, an investigation was conducted to see if there would be any interest. “
But the team’s precept is that Ferrari with whom Hamilton had had the most in-depth conversations. “He also met with (Ferrari president) John Elkann,” he added. “I think there have been serious discussions. Around Monaco. I actually had conversations, maybe with (Fred) Vasseur as well, but I did have conversations with Elkann. “
The idea of Hamilton racing with Max Verstappen — the guy who denied him an unprecedented eighth name in Abu Dhabi in 2021 under such dubious circumstances — would be beyond intriguing to fans. But Horner revealed it was that perception that deterred Red Bull from making a deal. .
Will Lewis Hamilton earn an eighth world name with Mercedes?Comments below.
And in an obvious religious nod to No. 2 driver Sergio Perez, as well as three-time world champion Verstappen, he said: “I don’t see Max and Lewis racing together. The dynamic wouldn’t be good. ” We are 100 percent satisfied with what we have. “
Hamilton is enjoying the longest winless streak of his F1 career lately, having crossed the chequered flag since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021. And now he’s guaranteed to finish in third position this time around, regardless of what happens at Yas Marina this time around. Weekend.
Red Bull has also long dominated the constructors’ championship, with the Silver Arrows now and just 4 points ahead of Ferrari.
Receive email updates with the most important things of the day