Teasing among team bosses: Wolff versus Horner
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has retorted in an annoyed manner in the saga surrounding an alleged contact between Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull. The co-owner of the racing team took a swipe at his colleague Christian Horner, who had triggered the ongoing discussion at the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
One wonders why such a story came up in the last race, Wolff said on Sky. He had previously advised Horner, who won practically everything with one team this year, to be humble.
Horner had wanted a bit of media attention by mentioning Hamilton's name, Wolff continued on Sky. "If that's what he needs, then let him do it," emphasized the visibly annoyed boss of the German works team, for whom Hamilton has been driving since 2013. He had extended his contract in August of this year until the end of 2025.
Horner had said in the British Daily Mail that there had been several discussions over the years about a possible switch for Hamilton. "They have asked a few times. The last time there was an inquiry about whether there would be interest was at the beginning of the year."
Horner: There were never serious talks with Hamilton
Horner also spoke about allegedly serious talks between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari boss John Elkann. The impression arose that Hamilton had sounded out the situation with the competition before signing his new contract.
In the paddock in Abu Dhabi, Horner then clarified who he had been in contact with: Hamilton's father Anthony. In the official press conference, he played down the issue and demonstrated his surprise at the implications of his statements. He also emphasized that there had never been any serious talks with Lewis Hamilton. There was no vacancy at Red Bull.
His colleague Wolff clarified that Anthony Hamilton had not been involved in the management of the seven-time world champion since 2010. The latter had in turn explained that he had received a message from Horner, but had only seen it some time later due to a change of cell phone. "I talk to Lewis all the time. Also about every single WhatsApp he has received. Also about the ones where he has been tested, so to speak, to see what the contract looks like," Wolff said on Sky.
- Despite Toto Wolff's advice for Christian Horner to maintain humility, the Red Bull team principal sought media attention by mentioning Lewis Hamilton's name during the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi's GP.
- In response to Horner's alleged comments about potential negotiations between Hamilton and Red Bull, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff expressed his frustration, acknowledging that there had been occasional discussions about a switch, but emphasizing that the situation was not as serious as portrayed.
- Christian Horner further clarified his statements in Abu Dhabi, affirming that there had never been any serious talks between Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull, denying any vacancy within the team, and dismissing any role that Hamilton's father, Anthony Hamilton, had in recent negotiations, as he had not been involved since 2010.
Source: www.dpa.com
