Max Verstappen claims he sees “no point” in discussing rumours that Lewis Hamilton inquired about a drive with Red Bull earlier this year as the move is “not happening”.
Following protracted speculation throughout 2023, Mercedes announced in August that Hamilton had signed a two-year extension to remain alongside team-mate George Russell.
However, speaking to the Daily Mail, Horner revealed that a representative of Hamilton’s had been in contact over the prospect of the Briton potentially moving across to Red Bull.
“We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining,” he said. “They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest.
“But I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn’t be right. We are 100 per cent happy with what we have.”
The revelation came after ex-Formula 1 Managing Director Ross Brawn called on Red Bull to replace current incumbent Sergio Perez with “someone more competitive”.
Meanwhile, on the eve of Verstappen’s record-breaking 10th consecutive victory at Monza, Hamilton questioned the strength of the Dutchman’s team-mates versus his.
When asked about the rumours ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen coyly said: “What would it add to know? I don’t know, it’s not happening. There’s no point to make up stories if it’s not happening.
“I wouldn’t mind, doesn’t matter, anyone [as a team-mate]. I don’t want to put it particularly on Lewis, there’s so many great drivers. So yeah, sometimes it doesn’t work out.”
Amid Mercedes’ struggles to get on top of the latest ground effect generation of F1 machinery, Hamilton has not added to his tally of 103 victories since December 2021.
Before he agreed a new deal with Mercedes, though, reports in the Italian press had disclosed conversations regarding Hamilton potentially joining Ferrari had materialised.
Horner confirmed that “serious” talks had taken place between the two camps, even noting that the seven-time champion had been meeting with Ferrari personnel in May.
“He met John Elkann [Ferrari chairman], too. I think there were serious talks,” Horner added. “It was around Monaco. There were definitely conversations, perhaps with Vasseur, too. But certainly with Elkann.”
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