'Talks Always Happen': Villeneuve Reacts To Recent Hamilton Horner Feud

Sunday, 10 December 2023 at 13:00

1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve commented on the recent feud between Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner concerning Red Bull seat talks.

A controversy sparked ahead of the last race of the 2023 season - the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when Christian Horner said Lewis Hamilton contacted Red Bull about whether there would be an interest.

The seven-time World Champion rejected reaching out to Christian Horner or Red Bull. Moreover, he hit back, saying Horner had reached out to him.

The Red Bull Racing team principal later clarified there were no talks with the Mercedes driver but suggested he did have a chat with his father, who he assumed would be close to the seven-time World Champion.

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The whole controversy died down over the last few weeks. However, Jacques Villeneuve reacted to the alleged Hamilton Red Bull talks during an interview for Planet F1, saying:

“"It gets a lot of print! As a driver, you’re not allowed to talk to other teams while you’re under contract and all that. But talks always happen."”

Horner also mentioned he and his team receive many inquiries throughout the season over the seat in their car as they are currently the best team.

It is only natural for drivers to look around for their options. On the other hand, it is also natural for teams to check whether certain drivers would want to compete for them.

Villeneuve explained drivers might often send somebody who is close to them to have a chat with the different teams so they don't go against their own contracts.

“"Obviously, you cross people in the paddock or, sometimes, you’ll use someone who doesn’t work for you, but will still do the talk so you’re protected. But, if the noise comes out, you have to negate it. Then who’s there to check?"”

Sergio Perez will occupy the second seat in Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season. While we cannot know who will race in Red Bull from 2024 onwards, it shouldn't be Hamilton, as he has a new contract with Mercedes valid until the end of 2025.