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Christian Horner says Lewis Hamilton’s dad Anthony texted Red Bull boss regarding possible switch from Mercedes


Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner have offered conflicting accounts regarding alleged talks over a switch from Mercedes to Red Bull for the Brit; watch every session from the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP live on Sky Sports, with lights out on Sunday at 1pm

Last Updated: 24/11/23 11:22am

Christian Horner is questioned about rumours surrounding Red Bull approaching Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton

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Christian Horner is questioned about rumours surrounding Red Bull approaching Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton

Christian Horner is questioned about rumours surrounding Red Bull approaching Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony contacted him to enquire about Sergio Perez’s seat with the team for the 2024 season.

Horner said in an interview with the Daily Mail this week that Hamilton’s representatives had been in contact earlier this season regarding a possible switch from Mercedes to Red Bull.

The seven-time world champion, who signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes in August, said on Thursday that no one from his team had contacted Red Bull, and that he had in fact received an approach via a text message from Horner.

Hamilton’s father guided the early stages of the Brit’s career, but has not been officially part of his management team since they split in professional terms in 2010.

Lewis Hamilton says he's never considered joining Red Bull

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Lewis Hamilton says he’s never considered joining Red Bull

Lewis Hamilton says he’s never considered joining Red Bull

Horner told Sky Sports F1 on Friday at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: “It’s amazing the fuss that’s come out of this.

“It’s not unusual for there to be an exchange. I’ve known Anthony Hamilton for 15-16 years, so inevitably there’s often an exchange during the course of the season.

“There’s quite a lot that seems to have been read into this.

With rumours suggesting Lewis Hamilton might have joined Red Bull, Max Verstappen says he wouldn't have minded if the seven-time world champion or any other driver raced alongside him

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With rumours suggesting Lewis Hamilton might have joined Red Bull, Max Verstappen says he wouldn’t have minded if the seven-time world champion or any other driver raced alongside him

With rumours suggesting Lewis Hamilton might have joined Red Bull, Max Verstappen says he wouldn’t have minded if the seven-time world champion or any other driver raced alongside him

“I had an exchange. Anthony’s a nice guy. He reached out, I think, I can’t remember, regarding around Sergio, and just asked an enquiring and suggestive question.

“I don’t know what role Anthony plays in Lewis’ setup or management, but he’s got some form of relationship.

“I don’t think he was enquiring about himself to come and drive.”

Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner give contrasting accounts, but is their any truth in rumours linking the seven-time champion to Red Bull?

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Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner give contrasting accounts, but is their any truth in rumours linking the seven-time champion to Red Bull?

Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner give contrasting accounts, but is their any truth in rumours linking the seven-time champion to Red Bull?

There has been significant speculation around Perez’s future with Red Bull, with the Mexican’s poor form leaving many to question whether he would be allowed to see out the final year of his contract with the team in 2024.

Horner added: “We’re very happy with the drivers that we’ve got, but of course Lewis hasn’t won a race for almost two years. You can understand questions being asked, it’s entirely logical and normal for those type of things to happen.

“And as I say, I’ve always had a great relationship with Anthony, he’s a very nice guy, but there is no seat available so it’s really a non-story.”

Sky Sports F1’s live Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday November 24

  • 12.45pm: Abu Dhabi GP Practice Two (session starts at 1pm)
  • 2.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday November 25

  • 10.15am: Abu Dhabi GP Practice Three (session starts at 10.30am)
  • 12.15pm: F2 Sprint
  • 1.15pm: Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying build-up
  • 2pm: Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying
  • 4pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday November 26

  • 9.10am: F2 Feature Race
  • 11.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday Abu Dhabi GP build-up
  • 1pm: The ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
  • 3pm: Chequered Flag: Abu Dhabi GP reaction
  • 4pm: Ted’s Notebook

After the thrills of Las Vegas, Formula 1 heads to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit for the 2023 season finale and another stunning spectacle under the lights. Watch the Abu Dhabi weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with lights out on Sunday at 1pm. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW





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