Christian Horner admitted that a driver line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen would not work in F1.
Christian Horner [L], Lewis Hamilton [C], Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)
Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time F1 world champion. The British driver arguably has the most successful career in the sport’s history. Although, Hamilton’s dominant run was brought to an end by Max Verstappen and Red Bull in 2021. Now, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has claimed that the 38-year-old was interested in joining Milton Keynes earlier this year.
Horner revealed that Red Bull and Hamilton have had multiple talks about the Briton’s potential switch to the Austrian team over the years. With the most recent round of discussions taking place in early 2023. The Red Bull team boss reckoned that Lewis Hamilton and his management inquired whether Milton Keynes would be interested in such a move.
We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining. They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest.Christia Horner told Daily Mail
However, Christian Horner made it clear that Red Bull was not looking to have Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in its line-up. The two arch-rivals are generational talents but share a controversial history due to their title fight in 2021. Horner claimed that Red Bull was happy with its current driver line-up comprising Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
But I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn’t be right. We are 100% happy with what we have.
Lewis Hamilton held contract talks with Red Bull and Ferrari in 2023
Hamilton’s Mercedes contract was about to run out at the end of 2023. The Brackley-based team was struggling with the new ground-effect era in F1. Subsequently, the 38-year-old looked at other options for his future. Christian Horner even claimed that the seven-time world champion was interested in joining Scuderia Ferrari.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)
The Red Bull team boss reckoned that Lewis Hamilton met with Ferrari Chairman John Elkann earlier this year. Rumors had surfaced at the start of the season that Hamilton received a massive contract offer from Maranello. However, the 38-year-old decided to continue his stay at Brackley for at least two more seasons.
He met John Elkann [Ferrari’s chairman] too. I think there were serious talks.
Lewis Hamilton opted to sign an extension with Mercedes despite negotiating contracts with other teams. The seven-time world champion is understood to have found no better alternative after Red Bull closed the door. Although, it remains to be seen if Hamilton can win in F1 once again with the Silver Arrows.