Lewis Hamilton rejected by Red Bull as Horner explains why Verstappen partnership a no-go | F1 | Sport
Christian Horner has ruled out signing Lewis Hamilton for Red Bull amid uncertainty around the seven-time champion’s future. It comes after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claimed Hamilton could walk away from the Silver Arrows if they could not provide him with a car capable of winning another title.
The German manufacturer is struggling for a second successive season with Hamilton and George Russell failing to secure a podium finish in the first two races. The only team Hamilton could guarantee a chance of winning his eighth Drivers’ Championship is Red Bull as the team continue to dominate the new rules cycle.
However, Horner said he “can’t see” where Hamilton would fit in the team as he accepted the squad were “happy” with their current line-up. He told Sky News: “Look, I think what Lewis has achieved in Formula One is second to none.
“But we are very happy with the drivers that we have, they are committed as a pair not only for this season but next season as well.
“I can’t see where we would be able to accommodate Lewis but I’m sure they are going to sort their issues out and we are certainly not writing him off just yet.” Horner has previously admitted Hamilton was keen to join Red Bull between 2010 and 2013 when the team were winning titles with Sebastian Vettel.
The 49-year-old team boss admitted he held some talks with Hamilron but they never came to fruition. He has since opened up that agreeing terms with Hamilton “wouldn’t have made sense” with Vettel the number one driver at the squad.
Hamilton has yet to pen a new deal at Mercedes with his current contract set to expire at the end of 2023. Mercedes boss Wolff accepted the pair had sat down for a first chat ahead of the new season but nothing has been finalised.
On Friday, Wolff suggested he was confident Hamilton would remain at the team for the long run. But, he confirmed the British legend would be free to walk away from the eight time Constructors’ Champions if the car was still slower than Red Bull in a year or two.
He explained: “Nevertheless, as a driver if he wants to win another championship, he needs to make sure that he has the car. And if we cannot demonstrate that we’re able to give him a car in the next couple of years, then he needs to look everywhere.
“I don’t think he’s doing it at that stage, but I will have no grouch if that happens in a year or two.”
