Horner claims Hamilton’s team explored moves, including serious discussions with Ferrari

Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has made headlines by revealing that Lewis Hamilton’s representatives reportedly engaged in talks with both Red Bull and Ferrari earlier this year. In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, Horner suggested that Hamilton’s team made inquiries with the reigning constructors’ champions and engaged in “serious talks” with Ferrari chairman John Elkann.

Horner disclosed, “There have been several conversations over the years about Lewis joining. Earlier in the year, they reached out to explore potential interest.” He noted that Hamilton’s camp had approached Red Bull on multiple occasions but highlighted that he could not foresee Hamilton and Red Bull’s top driver, Max Verstappen, successfully sharing the same team.

Horner stressed, “I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn’t fit. We are entirely satisfied with our current drivers.” Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028 after signing a substantial £200 million extension, remains Red Bull’s cornerstone driver. His teammate Sergio Perez’s deal runs through the end of next season.

Meanwhile, Hamilton’s future with Mercedes became more secure in August after he signed a two-year contract extension worth a reported £50 million per season, keeping him with the Silver Arrows until 2025. However, rumours of interest from Ferrari persist, with Hamilton acknowledging that informal discussions may have occurred in the past, though no formal offer was ever presented.

Ferrari’s current drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, remain under contract through the 2024 season, maintaining the Scuderia’s lineup stability for the time being.