Hamilton’s Mercedes contract was because of run out on the finish of this season and, regardless of insisting his future was at all times with Toto Wolff’s crew, it seems he had been gauging the curiosity of different groups.
Mercedes have struggled the previous two seasons, with their performances a far cry from the six championship titles gained with Hamilton within the house of seven years. And on the age of 38, Hamilton is actually within the twilight of his profession.
He’s at present tied with racing legend Michael Schumacher on seven championship wins and, on present type, wouldn’t attain eight with Mercedes. That is maybe why he had been holding discussions with rival groups, as confirmed by Horner.
“We’ve had a number of conversations through the years about Lewis becoming a member of,” the Pink Bull crew principal instructed the Each day Mail. “They’ve reached out a couple of occasions. Most lately, earlier within the 12 months, there was an inquiry about whether or not there can be any curiosity.
“He met John Elkann (Ferrari chairman), too. I feel there have been critical talks. “It was round Monaco (in Might). There have been positively conversations, maybe with Vasseur, too. However actually with Elkann.”
But when there was any notion of Hamilton and Max Verstappen teaming up, Horner put that principle to mattress instantly. He added: “However I can not see Max and Lewis understanding collectively. The dynamic would not be proper. We’re 100 p.c proud of what now we have.”
Horner’s revelation comes after Hamilton signed a deal to remain at Mercedes effectively into his 40s. Earlier within the season, doubtlessly at a time when he was sounding out rival groups, Hamilton stated: “I am pondering long run. I do not need to keep right here for one more 12 months. I need to keep longer.”
Hamilton finally dedicated to Mercedes in August and stated: “Mercedes is my house and I couldn’t be happier to be staying right here for one more three years.”
He added: “I positively wished to proceed,” he stated. “I imply, I feel in life you’ve ups and downs. I feel final 12 months everybody [at Mercedes] was questioning whether or not they wished to proceed. It’s such a troublesome sport. However I feel that thought shortly went away. I’m happy with the way in which we pushed by it and whereas we didn’t begin this season the way in which we wished we’re at present second within the championship.”