Lewis Hamilton has admitted that rumours linking ex-Red Bull boss Christian Horner with a role in Ferrari’s Formula 1 setup can be a “little bit distracting” to the team.
Ferrari moved to put to bed the speculation concerning Fred Vasseur’s position at the helm when it was announced back in July that he had penned a multi-year deal.
However, the Italian marque’s disastrous run since the summer break – which hasn’t yielded a single podium – has renewed claims that changes could be on the cards.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann is known to admire Horner, who led Red Bull to eight Drivers and six Constructors’ Championships during a decorated two-decade reign.
Red Bull’s top brass opted to axe Horner mid-season, though, with the Briton reputed to have agreed a lower severance package to accelerate a return to the paddock.
But although there have been suggestions that Elkann has discussed a possible role at Ferrari with Horner, Hamilton expressed that he would not “entertain rumours”.
However, the Briton reiterated his support towards Vasseur as he vowed that the whispers in the media are a hindrance to the team’s aim to turn around its prospects.
“I don’t know where the rumours have come from, so I can’t really shed much light on that,” Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week.
“It’s a little bit distracting for us as a team. Obviously, the team have made it clear where they stand in terms of re-signing Fred.
“Fred and I and the whole team are working really hard on the future for the team. These things naturally aren’t helpful.
“I know everyone back at the factory is working incredibly hard, focused, and these rumours can sometimes be distracting.”
Hamilton focused on helping Ferrari to deliver in 2026
Instead, Hamilton emphasised that his attention is on helping the team to avoid encountering the troubles that have compromised his debut campaign in red in 2026.
“For me, it’s really trying to keep the focus on the goal that’s in front of us and building on next year’s car, really continuing to build a foundation on this year, so that next year we can have better execution, better overall performance,” the seven-time F1 champion, who visited Ferrari’s Maranello base between rounds, added.
“As I said back in Spa, just having lots of meetings, trying to make sure that we’re sailing in the right direction.”
READ MORE – Is Christian Horner the saviour Ferrari needs to break its F1 doom cycle?
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