Lewis Hamilton accused Christian Horner of “stirring the pot” following the Red Bull Formula One boss’s assertion {that a} consultant of the seven-time world champion approached him about becoming a member of Red Bull earlier than Hamilton signed a brand new contract with Mercedes.
Horner advised the Daily Mail that there had been “several conversations over the years” about Hamilton becoming a member of the crew, which is presently dominant with triple world champion Max Verstappen.
“They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest,” stated the crew boss.
Hamilton, whose contract to the top of 2025 was introduced in August, advised reporters on the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday that no person from his administration had spoken to Horner.
He stated Horner had messaged him, nevertheless, on an outdated telephone he had left at residence.
“I switched it on, and obviously hundreds of messages came through, and I realized there was one from Christian to get together and have a chat at the end of the season,” he stated.
“I just replied to him on my new phone. It was after the weekend. It was quite late when I found the message. It was from earlier in the year. So, it was like months later.”
Hamilton additionally prompt some folks preferred to drop his title into dialog to get consideration in the event that they have been “a little bit lonely.”
“I think he’s just stirring things,” he advised Sky Sports tv earlier. “You know, Christian. He loves that kind of stuff.”
Hamilton stated he can be “more than happy” to race Verstappen in an equal automotive, and any driver would like to drive “for such a great group of people,” nevertheless it was not his private dream.
“I think moving from a car that’s not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, is not a dream. The dream is always to start where we are and build up to winning. That’s why I’ve stayed with Mercedes,” he stated.
Mercedes received eight constructors’ titles in a row from 2014 to 21 however have been combating Ferrari to be the most effective of the remainder this season. Verstappen have received 18 of 21 races thus far, and Red Bull has received all however one.
Serious talks
Horner advised the Daily Mail that Hamilton, who has not received a race since 2021, additionally had talks with Ferrari Chairperson John Elkann earlier within the 12 months.
“I think there were serious talks. It was around Monaco (in May). There were definitely conversations, perhaps with (Ferrari team boss Fred) Vasseur, too. But certainly with Elkann,” he stated.
Hamilton, who has stated he sees himself at Mercedes “until my last days,” denied the Ferrari hypothesis on the time.
He additionally advised reporters in May that his administration crew have been dealing with contract talks.
It just isn’t uncommon for a driver’s consultant to research different prospects on the time of contract negotiations.
Verstappen, requested in an FIA press convention whether or not he would have welcomed Hamilton as his teammate, noticed little level in fueling the dialogue.
“There’s no point in making up stories ‘if, if.’ It’s not happening,” stated the Dutch 26-year-old. “I wouldn’t mind; it doesn’t matter.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
