Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed why Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will never be teammates at Red Bull. Before agreeing to a new deal with Mercedes earlier this season, seven-time world champion Hamilton reportedly approached Red Bull about a possible move.
Christian Horner claims that a representative for the British star contacted him about a possible transfer, which Hamilton denies. Marko has now explained why Drivers’ Championship winner Verstappen would be hesitant to work with Hamilton.
The feud began during the British Grand Prix in 2021, when the two collided on the entry to a high-speed corner during the first lap. Verstappen was injured in the collision with the barriers and was taken to the hospital for precautionary tests.
Meanwhile, Hamilton won his home race despite a 10-second time penalty. According to Marko, the incident is the reason the pair will never be teammates. Verstappen and Hamilton in the same team, he said, does not work. What happened in 2021 is too deeply ingrained in Max.”
Marko also backs up Horner’s claim that Hamilton’s representative contacted the team. “I can only say that Christian Horner told me in January about a text message he received from Hamilton’s entourage,” he told F1 Insider.
“It appeared to be authorized by the driver.” There was talk of Hamilton stipulating that he would only drive for Red Bull if he received the same material [money] as Max Verstappen. There was no doubt in my mind that the request from Hamilton was serious.”
Sergio Perez, Red Bull’s second driver, has been questioned about his future after failing to match Verstappen’s mid-season results. However, after finishing third in Las Vegas, the Mexican appears to have gained Marko’s support.
“There were never any considerations about letting Hamilton drive alongside Verstappen,” he said. “Firstly, we are well positioned with our driver squad including Sergio Perez.”
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