Christian Horner shares his honest opinion on what the Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton relationship looks like right now
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed that Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have respect for each other but pointed out that they are "two very different personalities." In the last decade, despite Hamilton struggling for form in the past three years, he produced an epic title tussle in the 2021 season, which went the way of the Dutch driver.
Since the beginning of the new aero regulations in 2022, the on-track battles between the two have been few and far between due to the dominance of Verstappen and the struggles of Hamilton at Mercedes.
Despite their opposite trajectory in results, both drivers have had some heated moments on and off the track in 2024 such as their clash in Hungary in 2021 and Hamilton claiming that Verstappen should "act like a champion" in his battle with Lando Norris.
While appearing on TalkSport, the Red Bull team principal gave his honest take on the dynamic between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, saying:
“They’re two very different people, they have different personalities and characters. I think there’s respect and that’s a very important thing, but are they the type of people who would spend Christmas together? Probably not.
"Max has other friendships in Formula 1, Lando Norris is a good pal of his, they’ve traveled to many races together, but inevitably that gets put under pressure when you’re competing."
Red Bull gives his views on Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that he believed Lewis Hamilton could have another resurgence as he moves to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
The seven-time F1 world champion's switch to the Italian team has been widely anticipated due to the nature of two names in the sport but there has been an air of trepidation given Hamilton's underwhelming 2024 season with Mercedes.
As quoted by the aforementioned source, he said:
“He may well have another resurgence in him. He’s an emotional guy and it really depends on how things kick off for him at Ferrari. It’s a huge brand and a huge following.
"If the Tifosi (fans) get behind him and he gets off to a good start then those qualities are still there, he’s still a class competitor, and even if he’s getting older in age, it depends if that hunger is going to be rejuvenated in a new surrounding in Ferrari. It's a great story for Formula One and it could be just the revitalisation Lewis has been looking for."
Lewis Hamilton could only manage to finish P7 in the driver's championship in his swan song with the German team in 2024 despite winning two races in Silverstone and Spa during the European leg before the summer break.
The 39-year-old also joins Ferrari at a crucial stage as the Maranello-based outfit finished P2 in the Constructor's Championship and with Hamilton's experience, they would target to go one better next year.