Last Updated on November 24 2023, 4:01 pm

Red Bull Formula One Team Principal Christian Horner has clarified the nature of his interactions with Lewis Hamilton’s camp, following rumours of a possible move for the British driver to Red Bull.

As the Formula One season approaches its climax at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Horner was responding to claims in the Daily Mail that Hamilton had made an enquiry about joining Red Bull next season.

 

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Hamilton denies reports

These reports were subsequently refuted by Hamilton, who stated that any contact had come from Horner and had been directed to an out-of-date phone number.

Expanding on the saga during a press conference in Abu Dhabi, Horner revealed that his communication was actually with Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton. The Red Bull boss expressed surprise at the widespread attention the story has attracted and sought to play down the speculation.

“There’s been a lot of back and forth about who contacted who,” Horner began.

“It’s normal for drivers and their representatives, which sometimes includes family members, to have discussions throughout the year.

“We didn’t have any serious discussions with Lewis. There was no vacancy to discuss.”

 

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Horner sympathises with Hamilton

Horner, who has known Anthony Hamilton for many years, acknowledged the natural concern and curiosity of a “proud racing father” when a driver is going through a difficult period, in essence, the multiple champion and race winner has had the longest winless streak in his entire racing career.

Horner said it was natural for questions to be asked throughout the paddock.

“I’ve known Anthony Hamilton for for many years, he’s a good guy. He’s a proud racing father and inevitably, when drivers go through tough spots, and let’s face it, Lewis hasn’t won or Grand Prix for two years. It’s inevitable that questions will be asked up and down the paddock.

“But there was never any engagement and I don’t know who represents who or what, but with the same surname, you would think they were reasonably close.

“It’s difficult to say but other than pleasantries, there was no specific ‘can I drive for for Red Bull next year?’ Unless Anthony wanted to drive. But as I say, that’s not unusual.”

 

 

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Horner: Mercedes shouldn’t be surprised

Asked whether Mercedes would be surprised by the revelation of these discussions, Horner suggested that it wouldn’t be particularly shocking given Hamilton’s stature as the most successful driver in F1 history, coupled with his recent lack of victories.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if other teams were approached,” Horner added.

“Without a detailed insight into their internal dynamics, one can only speculate. But when a driver of Lewis’ calibre goes a while without a win, questions are bound to be asked.

Horner concluded by reiterating the normal nature of such interactions within F1 and playing down the significance of the discussions with Anthony Hamilton, suggesting that the extensive coverage may have inflated a relatively routine occurrence within the sport.

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MORE F1 NEWS: Toto Wolff accuses Christian Horner of lying

The bitterness that developed between Mercedes Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner during the 2021 championship year shows no sign of abating now two years on. What should have been a nothing story reported in the Daily Mail about Lewis Hamilton’s team approaching Red Bull earlier this season has now descended into farce with claim and counter claim being made.

The article in the British media claimed that a ‘known representative’ of Hamilton had contacted Christian Horner while the seven times world champion was negotiating his new contract with Mercedes. Given that Red Bull look set to…READ MORE ON THIS STORY