Rumours linking Horner to Ferrari “distracting”

Lewis Hamilton has responded to rumours linking former Red Bull Formula 1 team principal and CEO Christian Horner to Ferrari, branding the talk as “distracting for us as a team”.

Horner was replaced in his role at the Milton Keynes-based outfit in July by Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies. Since Horner reached a settlement agreement with Red Bull in September, allowing him to return to a role in Formula 1 in 2026, speculation has risen about where he could move to next.

While Horner has been linked to Aston Martin, Haas and Cadillac, with the latter preparing for its 2026 debut, all of the teams have dampened the rumours. But now reports have emerged that Ferrari chairman John Elkann is in talks with the former Red Bull chief.

“I don’t know whether I can really shed much light on that, but it’s a little bit distracting for us as a team,” Hamilton told the media in Austin. “Obviously, the team have made it clear where they stand in terms of re-signing Fred, and Fred and I and the whole team are working really hard on the future for the team. So these things naturally aren’t helpful.

“I know everyone back in the factory is working incredibly hard, focused, and these sort of rumours can sometimes be distracting. But for me, it’s really trying to keep the focus on the goal that’s in front of us and building on next year’s car, really continuing to build a foundation on this year so that next year we can have better execution, better overall performance. 

“And as I said, back in Spa, just having lots of meetings, trying to make sure that we’re sailing in the right direction.”

When asked about the rumours again later in the press conference, Hamilton added: “I don’t [know if there is any truth] and I’m not going to entertain rumours.”

Ferrari confirmed at the end of July that team principal Fred Vasseur had signed a multi-year contract extension with the Maranello-based outfit after he joined the squad at the start of 2023.

“His ability to lead under pressure, embrace innovation and pursue performance aligns fully with Ferrari’s values and long-term ambitions,” the team said in a statement.

“Under Fred’s leadership, Ferrari is united, focused and committed to continuous improvement. The trust placed in him reflects the team’s confidence in its strategic direction and reinforces a shared determination to deliver the results that Ferrari’s fans, drivers and team members expect and deserve.”

The announcement came as a way of quashing reports in the Italian media that suggested the Frenchman was at risk of losing his role.

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