Helmut Marko reveals reaction after Lewis Hamilton was offered to Red Bull as controversy goes on
F1 news: Lewis Hamilton has denied there were ever any talks over a move to Red Bull
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Helmut Marko has revealed he never entertained the idea of signing Lewis Hamilton for Red Bull.
Earlier in the week, Christian Horner caused controversy by saying talks had been held for the 38-year-old to join his side.
That led to a strong denial from Hamilton, who accused the 50-year-old of 'stirring things' while insisting he's happy at Mercedes despite their issues this season.
Horner has since doubled down, saying it was the Briton's father who reached out.
F1 news: Helmut Marko insists he was never interested in signing Lewis Hamilton for Red Bull
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And Marko, speaking to Sky Germany, has now shed more light on the matter and insisted he was never keen on the idea.
He says Hamilton's tense relationship with Max Verstappen was a big factor in his thinking.
And Marko also admitted the pay packet the Stevenage-born racer currently earns was another issue, too.
"Christian Horner informed me that someone from Hamilton’s circle contacted him, asking if there was a possibility for Hamilton to drive for us," he said.
"I said that the atmosphere is still charged thanks to the events of 2021 and it’s probably not going to work out due to emotional differences.
"Financially, we also can’t afford the most expensive driver on the grid.
"However, the main point was the relationship between Max and Lewis."
When asked exactly who contacted Red Bull, Marko added: "Someone from Lewis' circle."
Horner has come out fighting over the controversy and doubled down on his comments ahead of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
"I have known Anthony Hamilton for many years," the Red Bull team principal said while issuing his denial.
"He is a good guy, a proud racing father, and inevitably when drivers go through tough spots, questions will be asked up and down the paddock.
"Lewis is the most successful driver of all time and he hasn't won a grand prix since 2021.
"You haven't got to be a rocket scientist to work that out and I doubt I was the only one an inquiry was made of.
"There was never any engagement and I don't know who represents who, but given the surnames you would think they are reasonably close.
"I am not privy to that, but I don't think Anthony was inquiring about himself coming to drive."
Hamilton himself, meanwhile, turned the tables on Horner and said the Red Bull chief had actually contacted him - instead of the other way round.
"I don't really know where that story has come from," he told Sky Sports.
"I don't really understand what he's been talking about.
"As far as I'm concerned no-one from my team has spoken to Christian, I haven't spoken to Christian really in years.
"However, he did reach out to me earlier in the year about meeting up.
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F1 news: Christian Horner has doubled down on his claims Lewis Hamilton could have joined Red Bull
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"That said I congratulated them on an amazing year and said I hope I'll be able to fight against you guys in the near future.
"That was it. I'm not really sure. I think he's just stirring things."
When asked why Horner would want to do that, Hamilton continued: "There aren't any confidential discussions.
"I know Christian. He loves that kind of stuff.
"I would [100 per cent] be happy to race against Verstappen in an equal car.
F1 news: Lewis Hamilton is currently focused on winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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"If it means moving...Red Bull has done an amazing job and it is an amazing team.
"Any driver would love to drive for such a great group of people.
"I think moving to a car that's not so great to a winning car, from my perspective, is not my dream.
"My dream is to always start when we kind of are to build up to then winning.
"And that's why I stayed with Mercedes."