Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has insisted a representative of Lewis Hamilton’s “management group” contacted the team, contrary to the driver’s denials.
Hamilton, who earlier this year signed a new deal to remain at Mercedes until the end of 2025, said Red Bull had approached him directly at one stage. The seven-times champion denied his representatives had been in touch with them.
But Horner, speaking exclusively to RaceFans, insisted a representative of Hamilton’s “management group” had contacted them.
“They were just expressing interest,” he added. “But that’s not unusual, let’s put it that way.”
He believes Hamilton has denied any interest in joining Red Bull out of concerns over how his team would react to him courting the reigning champions, who they fought a bitterly-contested title fight against two years ago.
“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.”
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A Red Bull spokesperson said the approach to the team was made by Hamilton’s father, who managed his son’s career until 2010.
Horner made it clear he had not personally discussed anything with Hamilton. “I have had no conversations directly with Lewis,” he said, adding: “There was no clandestine meetings with Lewis to talk about driving for Red Bull.”
Speaking to media at the Yas Marina today Hamilton stated he “did not” approach Red Bull and claimed any expression of interest originated with them.
“I checked with everyone in the team and no one’s spoken to him,” said Hamilton. “But they have tried to reach out to us.”
Hamilton claimed Horner tried to contact him directly several months ago, but the pair had not spoken.
“I picked up my old phone which I just found at home that had my old number on it and I switched on and obviously hundreds of messages come through,” said Hamilton. “And I realised there was one from Christian to get together and have a chat at the end of the season.”
He notified team principal Toto Wolff of the approach from Horner.
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