New twist in Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner ‘chat’ as Toto Wolff briefed
The saga surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s approach over a shock move to Red Bull has taken a new twist with the Mercedes star’s dad now being blamed as the one who attempted to start discussions. Christian Horner kicked off the drama on Thursday by claiming that Hamilton had been in touch over potentially joining Red Bull. The Mercedes star dismissed Horner’s claim when quizzed on the situation.
Hamilton says he rushed to debrief Toto Wolff as the news began to gather pace. “I did tell Toto. Especially when the story broke because I have so much respect for Toto, we have a great relationship,” he said. “Also I want my team to know because people think those things and it’s never positive.”
Hamilton penned a two-year deal with Mercedes in August to take his association with Mercedes beyond a decade, having joined the team in 2013. But concerns over the team’s performance grew after a dismal year in 2022 was followed by another underwhelming season this year, with Hamilton assessing his options.
Speculation in Italy linked with him a move to Ferrari and it was reported he met with CEO Johan Elkann to hold talks about a switch to the Scuderia, while it was also claimed he reached out to Red Bull and Horner about a sensational move to link up with Max Verstappen.
The seven-time world champion denied suggestions he had personally approached Horner. But the Constructors’ winners have now hit back after insinuating that Hamilton’s father Anthony, who used to handle his contractual matters when he was at McLaren, had been in touch.
READ MORE Lewis Hamilton ‘approached Red Bull’ as Horner blows a hole in Brit’s claims[GOSSIP]
Horner said: “They were just expressing interest. But that’s not unusual, let’s put it that way. Maybe it’s slightly awkward for Lewis, obviously, with his own team. It’s not unusual for people to reach out.
“I’m not going to go into the details of the where, who and why, but perhaps they wouldn’t be doing their job if they didn’t. I’d be rather surprised if they hadn’t informed Lewis but you never know how managements work with different athletes.”
Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Mercedes are looking to clinch their first win of the season, Hamilton was adamant that no one from his entourage had approached the Red Bull boss: “I’ve not approached Christian; I haven’t spoken to Christian for years and no one from my team has,” Hamilton said at the Drivers’ press conference on Thursday.
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“I’ve checked with everyone, no one from my team has reached out to him. However, he had reached out to me about meeting up at the end of the season.
“And I was like, ‘I hope you are well; I wish you all the best, congratulations on an amazing season so far, and I hope that I am able to compete with you in the near future.’”
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