Red Bull team principal Christian Horner revealed on Wednesday evening ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that Lewis Hamilton’s representatives “reached out” to the side earlier this year, to discuss a potential switch.
Hamilton agreed to a new two-year deal with Mercedes ahead of the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, with the seven-time World Champion now remaining with the Silver Arrows until at least the end of 2025.
During his contract negotiation period with the Brackley-based team, there were several rumours linking him with a Mercedes exit and perhaps a switch to Ferrari.
According to Horner’s recent comments, it wasn’t just Ferrari who Hamilton was linked with, as he supposedly reached out to Red Bull about making a move happen.
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Red Bull ultimately didn’t speak to Hamilton about replacing Sergio Perez, with Horner admitting that he “can’t see” the 103-time race winner and Max Verstappen working as team-mates.
Whilst Red Bull didn’t really speak to Hamilton this season, the Milton Keynes-based squad have had “several conversations” with the Mercedes driver over the years.
“We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining,” Horner told the Daily Mail.
“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.”
Given Mercedes’ current struggles and Red Bull’s dominance, some have noted that Hamilton’s best chance of winning once again is by making a move to the Austrians happen.
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With the current regulations not changing until 2026 when the new power units are introduced, Red Bull’s dominance could easily continue for another two seasons, making Hamilton’s pursuit of an unprecedented eighth title that much more difficult.
And that’s without even considering if Mercedes can overcome their current issues, which has seen them declare that a third new concept since 2022 will be introduced in 2024.
Hamilton is yet to claim a win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with him currently looking no closer to ending what is almost a two-year winless streak.