Last Updated: November 24, 2023, 10:33 IST
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands reacts throughout a press convention on the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
Red Bull boss Christian Horner was quoted within the British media this week claiming that Hamilton’s administration group has “reached out” a number of instances, including that “earlier this year there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest”.
Max Verstappen on Thursday rejected the notion, rumoured and reported in latest days, that his Red Bull group have been contemplating approaching Lewis Hamilton to companion him in a dream line-up.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner was quoted within the British media this week claiming that Hamilton’s administration group has “reached out” a number of instances, including that “earlier this year there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest”.
But each Verstappen and Hamilton, talking to reporters forward of Sunday’s season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the Yas Marina Circuit, scotched the concept that the Briton was on the transfer from Mercedes.
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“It’s not happening,” mentioned Verstappen who has already wrapped up a 3rd successive title.
“There’s no point to make up stories if it’s not happening.
“I wouldn’t mind, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to put it particularly on Lewis. There’s so many great drivers and sometimes it just doesn’t work out like that.”
Hamilton additionally distanced himself from Horner’s claims that he “reached out” earlier than agreeing to prolong his contract with Mercedes.
“I don’t really know where that story has come from,” mentioned the seven-time champion.
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“I know it’s come from Christian but I don’t really understand what he’s been talking about.
“No one, as far as I’m aware, from my team has spoken to him. I haven’t spoken to Christian in years.”
Hamilton added that Horner had approached him earlier this season.
“I just congratulated them on an amazing year and said that ‘Hopefully soon I’ll be able to fight against you guys in the near future’. That was it. So I’m not really sure, I think he’s just stirring things.”
He admitted, nevertheless, that he would love to compete with Verstappen in equal equipment.
“Yes, 100 percent, I’d be more than happy to race against him in an equal car,” he mentioned.
“Red Bull has done an amazing job and it’s an incredible team — any driver would love to drive for such a great group of people.
“I think moving from a car that’s not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, that’s not the dream.
“The dream is to start where we (Mercedes) are and build up to then winning. And that’s why I’ve stayed at Mercedes.”
– ‘Final push’ –
Verstappen heads into Sunday’s race bidding for a report-rising nineteenth win in 22 races this 12 months.
A 54th profession victory would carry him past 4-time champion Sebastian Vettel within the report books, sitting behind solely Hamilton (103 wins) and Michael Schumacher (91).
It would additionally give him a chance to break Jim Clark’s 40-12 months-outdated landmark report for proportion of laps led in a season.
Clark’s report of 71.4 per cent of laps led has stood since 1963 however is probably going to fall to Verstappen who has led 75.06 p.c of this 12 months’s laps.
“Abu Dhabi always brings back good memories for me and the team,” mentioned Verstappen.
“It’s been a long but successful season this time and I’m looking forward to a break and some free time.
“The team has worked incredibly hard and everyone deserves a good rest and time with their friends and families.
“So it’s the last push for the year and I’m hoping to end this season on a high.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
