Lewis Hamilton explored his options with Ferrari earlier in the season, claims Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. The British boss has revealed a series of interesting details from this year’s F1 driver market.
When the 2023 season began, there was plenty of discussion surrounding Mercedes. However, this was almost exclusively limited to conversations about their poor performance at the start of the year.
The Bahrain GP exposed the W14’s limitations and ended any hopes of the ‘zeropod’ concept continuing. Almost immediately, Mercedes began to change their development direction.
James Allison was swiftly appointed, with Mike Elliot reverting to his previous role. Next season, the German constructor will hope to see the benefits from this decision.
Despite this, Lewis Hamilton’s position within the team was rarely questioned. Even with an expiring contract, both parties seemed adamant that a new deal would be agreed to before the end of 2024.
(L to R): Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal and Frederic Vasseur (FRA) Ferrari Team Principal in the FIA Press Conference.
03.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Practice Day
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In accordance with the Mercedes script, the 7-time Champion announced a contract extension. This new deal will keep the British driver in the sport for two more seasons – as he hunts down another World title.
However, Christian Horner recently told The Daily Mail that Hamilton was indeed exploring other options this year:
“He met John Elkann [Ferrari’s Chairman] too. I think there were serious talks.
“It was around Monaco. There were definitely conversations, perhaps with Vasseur, too. But certainly with Elkann.”
Evidently, this revelation will spark plenty of reactions across social media. After all, the mutual admiration between Hamilton and Ferrari is well-documented.
Still, it should be noted that it is quite typical for drivers to explore their options. Lando Norris, for example, is understood to have held brief talks with Red Bull before signing his long-term deal with McLaren.
Simply put, it is good practice for drivers to do this. It makes them aware of potential alternatives and gives them more wiggle room in negotiations with their existing team.
