The Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen title rivalry in 2021 had a polarizing effect as it has divided the F1 community with fans forced to take sides. And even though the rivalry between the two drivers and their respective sides was so intense, Red Bull’s Christian Horner has given seven-time world champion Hamilton credit, where it was due.
Horner recently stated in an interview that he has the utmost respect for Hamilton for what the 38-year-old has achieved in the sport. However, at the same time, he believes that F1 is a ruthless sport and that there is no time for friendship, especially when it is their arch-rivals.
Horner believes Hamilton’s records speak for themselves
While speaking in a recent interview with talkSPORT, Christian Horner hailed Lewis Hamilton for both his achievements on the track and the initiatives he carries off it, to promote diversity and equality. “Huge respect for Lewis. What he has achieved. He is the most successful driver of all time,” explained Horner. “His records speak for themselves. They are huge“.
After praising Hamilton for his career achievements, Horner also added that the Mercedes driver is a fantastic ambassador for the sport. Since Horner has such a high amount of respect for Hamilton, he was also asked in a recent interview if there is a possibility that Red Bull might sign the 38-year-old.
Christian Horner was just asked by Christian Nimmervoll [Motorsport-Total] whether Red Bull could have Verstappen/Hamilton at Red Bull, considering that Hamilton has not yet signed with Mercedes: “We would probably have to sell the factory, to be able to pay for both.”
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) June 30, 2023
In reply, Horner hilariously stated (as quoted by Junaid), “We would probably have to sell the factory, to be able to pay for both. I hope Lewis will be in Formula 1 for a few more years and there have been occasional talks about joining Red Bull, but lately there haven’t been any”.
And considering that Hamilton and Red Bull’s current driver Max Verstappen are two of the highest-earning drivers of the sport, it is no surprise that the Milton Keynes outfit would find it difficult to fund the contracts of both. The Briton earns a whopping salary of $57 million annually from Mercedes, while Vertappen earns $54 million annually at Red Bull.
Lewis Hamilton was once close to signing for Red Bull
Between 2010 and 2013, there were serious discussions between Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull for a potential move. However, since Sebastian Vettel was driving for the team at the time, a move for the Briton never materialized.
Christian Horner explained the same in a recent interview (as quoted by express.co.uk) by stating that having “two alpha drivers” would not have made sense for them. Since Red Bull could not accommodate Hamilton at the time, Horner suggested Niki Lauda to sign the 38-year-old for Mercedes since the Milton Keynes outfit was fighting McLaren at the time.
Considering that Hamilton won a staggering six of his seven world championships with Mercedes from 2014 to 2021, Horner believes it was foolish of him to ask Mercedes to sign the British driver. While Horner has learnt from his mistake, now, he still believes it is not possible for Red Bull to accommodate Hamilton. And as a result, it seems most likely that the 38-year-old will extend his stay at Mercedes, because he wants to race for a top team.
