Christian Horner’s upcoming autobiography, ‘Drive,’ reveals that Red Bull Racing held secret discussions with Lewis Hamilton in 2012. The book, set for release on October 22, 2026, details a meeting that occurred months before Hamilton’s significant transfer to Mercedes.
Horner, then Red Bull Team Principal, claims Hamilton was considering leaving McLaren. Hamilton had been with McLaren since his teenage years, winning the 2008 World Championship with the team.
However, by 2012, Hamilton’s momentum as a title contender was diminishing. Horner observed Hamilton ‘losing heart at McLaren,’ noting a strained relationship with Jenson Button and a series of mechanical failures throughout the season.
The initial contact came from Hamilton’s father, Anthony, who telephoned Horner. This led to a clandestine meeting at Adrian Newey’s residence near Ascot.
During this meeting, Hamilton expressed his desire to depart McLaren, reportedly identifying Red Bull as his preferred destination. Horner quotes Hamilton asking, ‘What will it take to join you guys?’
Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer, was reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect. A driver pairing of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton was considered a compelling possibility.
However, two primary obstacles emerged for Red Bull. The first was the financial commitment required. Hamilton, represented by Simon Fuller, commanded ‘staggering sums.’
Simon was known to be a softly spoken person, but his opening gambit caused my ears to ring. ‘You and I can do the biggest sports deal since Muhammad Ali,’ he said boldly.
Fuller, known for managing high-profile figures, indicated substantial financial demands.
The second obstacle was Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor. Marko was reportedly ‘unimpressed,’ concerned about the potential impact on Sebastian Vettel, his protégé and the reigning World Champion.
Red Bull’s driver lineup in 2012 featured Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Vettel had secured the World Championship in 2010, 2011, and would again in 2012.
Ultimately, Horner did not pursue the deal with significant force. He speculated that another team would find the ‘Lewis deal’ appealing.
That team proved to be Mercedes. Mercedes had acquired Brawn GP in 2010 but struggled in the midfield from 2010 to 2012.
Their sole victory during this period came at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix with Nico Rosberg.
Niki Lauda, then involved with Mercedes, was reportedly ‘desperate for success.’ He initially worried about the financial outlay for Hamilton.
Horner suggested Lauda underwrite the contract himself, believing Lauda could recoup the investment through merchandise sales.
Bernie Ecclestone, then Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, viewed Hamilton’s potential switch as an ‘exciting story’ for the sport.
Hamilton officially confirmed his move to Mercedes for the 2013 season on September 28, 2012, replacing the retiring Michael Schumacher.
The transfer was met with skepticism by many in the F1 paddock at the time.
The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes subsequently became one of the most successful in Formula 1 history. It yielded six additional world titles and 84 race victories.
Lewis Hamilton completed a transfer to Ferrari in 2025, following his extensive and successful tenure with Mercedes.
