Hamilton hits back at Horner over Red Bull F1 rumour

Lewis Hamilton has denied that he or a representative from his team approached Red Bull earlier this year over a potential move to the squad.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull Team Principal claimed that Hamilton's camp reached out to the Milton Keynes-based outfit prior to extending his contract at Mercedes.

Red Bull has won the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships with Mercedes slipping back in the pecking order since the start of last year.

Any such Hamilton-to-Red Bull move would see him partner Max Verstappen, who has a contract in place until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.

But speaking to Sky Sports at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton has contested Horner's comments.

“I don't really know where that story has come from,” Hamilton said. “I know it's come from Christian, I don't really understand what he's been talking about.

“No one, as far as I'm aware from my team, has spoken to him. I haven't spoken to Christian in years.”

Hamilton claims Horner reached out

Earlier this year Hamilton penned a new deal with Mercedes that will see him remain at the squad until at least the end of the 2025 season alongside George Russell.

Although he denied interest in a switch, the seven-time World Champion revealed that he did have contact with Horner - but claimed it was the Red Bull Team Principal who made the initial approach.

“However, he did reach out to me earlier in the year about meeting up,” Hamilton added. “I just congratulated them on an amazing year.

“I said 'hopefully soon I'll be able to fight against you guys in the near future'. That was it. So I'm not really sure, I think he's just stirring things.

“There aren't any confidential discussions, so I don't know. You know Christian, he loves that kind of stuff.”

Hamilton happy to partner Verstappen

Hamilton shared an intense rivalry with Verstappen during the 2021 campaign as they clashed on several occasions while battling for the championship.

Verstappen came out on top in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi before going on to add two more titles to his tally.

Hamilton has asserted he has no issues going up against Verstappen in equal machinery but has no interest in turning his back on Mercedes.

“100% per cent, I’d be more than happy to race against him in an equal car,” Hamilton said.

“Red Bull has done an amazing job and it's an incredible team - any driver would love to drive for such a great group of people.

“I think moving from a car that's not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, that's not the dream.

“The dream is to start where we [Mercedes] are and build up to then winning. And that's why I've stayed at Mercedes.”