In a stunning revelation that could have reshaped the entire Formula 1 landscape, it has emerged that Lewis Hamilton's representatives made a direct approach to Red Bull about a potential blockbuster move earlier this year.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed the approach occurred, telling the Daily Mail: "There was an inquiry earlier in the year from Lewis' team about whether there would be any interest."
The Timing of the Approach
The approach came during a period of uncertainty about Hamilton's future, before he eventually committed to a new two-year contract with Mercedes worth £100 million. Horner revealed the inquiry happened around the time of the Monaco Grand Prix in May.
"He met with John Elkann (Ferrari chairman), too," Horner added. "I think there were serious talks with Ferrari. But certainly, we were aware of there having been an approach."
Why the Deal Never Happened
Despite the approach, Horner expressed scepticism about how a Hamilton-Verstappen partnership would function, stating: "Can you imagine Max and Lewis in the same team? The dynamic would be fascinating but it would be a challenging pair to manage."
The Red Bull chief also revealed he discussed the approach with Hamilton personally at the British Grand Prix in July, where the seven-time world champion apparently denied any knowledge of his team's approach.
The Current Red Bull Situation
Horner's comments come amid growing speculation about Sergio Perez's future with Red Bull, despite the Mexican driver having a contract for 2024. Perez has struggled to match teammate Max Verstappen's performance, particularly in qualifying sessions.
When asked about Perez's position, Horner maintained: "Checo's contract runs for next year. He's our 2024 driver. We don't see Max and Lewis working. I don't think Toto will give us an easy time on that!"
What This Means for F1
This revelation opens up a fascinating 'what if' scenario for Formula 1 fans. A Hamilton-Verstappen partnership would have created the most formidable driver lineup in modern F1 history, but also potentially the most volatile.
The approach suggests Hamilton was seriously considering his options beyond Mercedes, despite his long and successful association with the team that has delivered six of his seven world championships.
