Horner believes Vettel-Hamilton relationship wouldn't work
July 7, 2011 - 0:0
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has said there will be no move for Lewis Hamilton without his say-so before revealing he would have 'severe reservations' about putting the McLaren star alongside world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Horner said: 'A Hamilton-Vettel combination, on paper, would look very attractive. But what we have to look at is the dynamics of a partnership and it's difficult to see how two sportsmen at the absolute top of their game could work in harmony under one roof.'History demonstrates, whether you look at Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna or Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, that it doesn't tend to work. Lewis is one of the top three in the world but we are very happy with the combination we have.'
Ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, McLaren driver Hamilton's future has become a major source of conversation - an unwanted distraction he could do without in his bid to conjure a much-needed victory.
The fact, however, he met with Horner following the qualifying session for last month's Canadian Grand Prix has sparked the interest.
Fuel has also been added to the fire with the revelation Hamilton has a get-out clause in his contract with McLaren that could see him leave at the end of the year.
Horner said: 'I think it would be difficult to envisage a driver of Sebastian's calibre and that of Lewis under the same roof.
'Lewis is a wonderful driver, and you can understand why he might want to drive a Red Bull. It's obvious.
'But would it be the best thing for us? We have severe reservations it would be.'
Horner, who earlier this year signed current world champion Vettel to a deal through to the end of 2014, added: 'We are hugely happy to have Sebastian committed to the team long term, and with Mark (Webber), we're very pleased with the job he is doing.
'Our focus at present is on those two drivers rather than looking to change anything.'
(Source: DailyMail)