Lewis Hamilton Dismisses Christian Horner to Ferrari Rumors as 'Distracting'

Lewis Hamilton has dismissed the persistent rumors linking former Red Bull principal Christian Horner with a move to Ferrari, calling the speculation “distracting” for the team. Horner departed Red Bull following the British Grand Prix, ending a two-decade tenure, and is currently on gardening leave until early next year.

Why it matters:

Ferrari recently extended Team Principal Fred Vasseur’s contract, making the Horner rumors seemingly unfounded. For Hamilton, who is still seeking his first podium with Ferrari in a challenging debut season, external speculation creates unnecessary noise and diverts focus from the critical work of improving the team’s performance, especially with the upcoming 2026 regulation changes.

The Details:

• Horner's Departure: Christian Horner left Red Bull after the British Grand Prix, concluding a 20-year run as team principal.
• Gardening Leave: He is currently on gardening leave, which is expected to end by spring of next year, allowing for a potential return to the F1 grid.
• Previous Links: Horner had been previously linked to roles at other teams, with Aston Martin and Haas confirming preliminary talks that did not advance.
• Ferrari Speculation: Despite Fred Vasseur's contract extension earlier this year, rumors have continued to connect Horner with a position at Ferrari.
• Hamilton's Reaction: Lewis Hamilton directly addressed these rumors, stating, “I don't know where the rumours have come from so I can't really shed much light on it. But it's a little bit distracting for us as a team.”
• Team's Stance: Hamilton reiterated the team’s support for Vasseur: “The team has made it clear where they stand on re-signing Fred. Fred and I, and the whole team, are working very hard on the future of the team.”
• Impact on Focus: He emphasized that such rumors are unhelpful and can be distracting for the factory staff who are working hard and focused on performance improvements.

The Big Picture:

Hamilton's first season with Ferrari has been challenging, as he continues to chase his maiden podium finish with the Scuderia. His primary focus, and that of the team, is on developing the 2026 car, which is expected to usher in a new era of technical regulations and potentially shift the competitive landscape.

What's next:

Hamilton is committed to building a strong foundation for future seasons. He stated, “For me, it's trying to keep the focus on the goal that's in front of us and building on next year's car. Really, continue to build a foundation on this year so that next year we can have better execution and better overall performance.” The ongoing meetings and development work underscore the team’s dedication to ensuring they are “sailing in the right direction” for a stronger future.