In a bombshell revelation that's sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has broken his silence on Lewis Hamilton's seismic move to Ferrari, suggesting the British driver may have made the switch for reasons beyond pure racing ambition.
The Timing That Raised Eyebrows
Horner expressed genuine astonishment at Hamilton's decision to activate an escape clause in his Mercedes contract, describing the timing as particularly curious. "It's interesting that he's chosen to jump ship now, especially after Mercedes had finally started showing signs of closing the performance gap," Horner told reporters.
More Than Just Racing?
The Red Bull chief didn't hold back when speculating about Hamilton's underlying motivations. "I suspect there are other factors at play here beyond what happens on track," Horner revealed, hinting that commercial opportunities and long-term career planning might have influenced the seven-time world champion's thinking.
Ferrari's High-Stakes Gamble
Horner painted a compelling picture of the challenge awaiting Hamilton at Maranello, suggesting the British driver faces an uphill battle to adapt to Ferrari's unique culture and operational methods. "The pressure at Ferrari is unlike anything else in Formula 1," he warned, noting that Hamilton will need to quickly establish himself within a team that operates very differently from the Mercedes environment he's dominated for a decade.
Red Bull's Missed Opportunity?
In a startling admission, Horner confirmed that preliminary discussions about Hamilton joining Red Bull had indeed taken place earlier in the season. However, he maintained that a formal partnership was never realistically on the cards, stating that the team remains fully committed to their current championship-winning lineup.
The Domino Effect Begins
With Hamilton's move triggering what promises to be the most dramatic driver market shuffle in recent F1 history, Horner acknowledged that every team on the grid is now reassessing their 2025 options. The musical chairs have well and truly begun, and the repercussions will be felt throughout the paddock.
As the F1 community digests this game-changing development, one thing is clear: the 2025 season can't come soon enough for fans eager to witness Hamilton's scarlet chapter unfold.
