SUMMARY
- F1 journalist Mark Hughes dispels fan theory about Red Bull offering seats to Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris.
- Hamilton and Alonso sought seats at Red Bull before securing deals with Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Formula 1 journalist Mark Hughes has thrown cold water on a popular fan theory suggesting Red Bull offered seats to Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris. There has been numerous speculations floating around the paddock since 2023 as Sergio Perez began delivering underwhelming performances and drivers had their eye on the coveted second seat alongside Max Verstappen.
In the previous season, Red Bull and Mercedes were involved in an ugly to-and-fro regarding Hamilton’s father approaching the reigning champions for a permanent spot. While Christian Horner pushed on the issue, the British driver as well as Toto Wolff denied such claims. However, according to Hughes, a similar situation did take place and it involved Aston Martin driver Alonso as well.
Lewis Hamilton and Alonso pursued Red Bull before signing Ferrari and Aston Martin
According to the celebrated Formula 1 journalist, Hughes revealed a peculiar scenario. Hamilton, seeking a return to championship glory, expressed interest in joining Red Bull, the current dominant force. The Spanish driver also pursued a potential role with the Austrian team. However, Red Bull ultimately declined both the championship-winning drivers, leading them to secure alternative futures in F1.
📰: Mark Hughes clarified that neither Lewis Hamilton nor Fernando Alonso were offered a place at Red Bull, despite rumors suggesting they were. Contrary to earlier claims, Hughes stated that both Hamilton and Alonso approached Red Bull but were told no. This contradicts… pic.twitter.com/Joeyc1PtTU
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) April 14, 2024
Hughes decided to participate on the usual F1 discussion on X. A user on the social media platform made a claim that Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton and Alonso refused the much-anticipated Red Bull offer due to Verstappen. However, Mark Hughes made a massive revelation as he commented, “That’s just plain untrue. Neither Leclerc, Hamilton nor Alonso were offered a place. Hamilton and Alonso both tried and were told no.”
The focus remains on Sergio Perez as drivers wish to internally battle out for his seat at Red Bull. While his impressive podium finishes in the first four races of 2024 are a positive sign, the Milton-Keynes-based team requires consistent excellence from their number two driver. Any performance dip in this ongoing season could jeopardize Perez’s position within the team.
Hamilton’s early impact on Ferrari for 2025 F1 season
Despite Lewis Hamilton remaining a Mercedes driver for the 2024 season, Ferrari chairman John Elkann is already utilizing the champion’s mindset to inspire the team. Elkann, in a letter to shareholders, quoted Hamilton’s belief in continuous learning as a key to success. The British sensation and his relationship with Prancing Horse goes a long way, with Elkann from a Google Camp and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur.
When you want to win the “who’s Lewis Hamilton most harcore fan” contest and your competition is John ELKANN 😅🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️
Source [@FerrariF1FRA via @FormulaPassion]#LewisHamilton #Ferrari pic.twitter.com/Amh13rWrbI
— Hamilton Insights (@LH44_insights) April 11, 2024
As per the reports from Sky Italia, Elkann wrote, “The objective is to continue to grow and to do so day after day, even more so next year when Hamilton, nominated by the same president of the Rossa, will be linked to the Scuderia di Maranello. With success, it is important to keep in mind the words of Lewis Hamilton: ‘In racing there are always things to learn, every single day.'”
Hamilton’s potential eighth championship title remains a goal, which is the probable reason why he parted ways with Mercedes in 2024. Elkann’s use of Hamilton’s words highlights the driver’s philosophy as a model for the entire organization of the Italian team. The 39-year-old is a asset for the Scuderia Ferrari as he will also bring in numerous sponsorships and endorsements for the team.