Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has shed light on his complex relationship with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, comparing their early career tensions to the intense rivalries seen in Formula Three.
In a candid revelation, the Mercedes driver admitted their dynamic was far from cordial during Hamilton's early years in F1. "We were like rivals in Formula Three," Hamilton told reporters, "There was definitely fire there."
From Junior Categories to F1 Tensions
The British racing legend explained how their competitive history stretches back before either became household names in motorsport. "Christian was running a team in Formula Three when I was coming through," Hamilton recalled, highlighting how their paths crossed long before Horner took the helm at Red Bull Racing.
Their relationship reached new levels of intensity during Hamilton's championship battles with Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull team between 2010-2013. "When I was fighting Sebastian, Christian was obviously very vocal," Hamilton noted, referencing Horner's famously outspoken nature during those seasons.
Modern-Day Dynamics
While tensions have cooled somewhat in recent years, Hamilton acknowledges their relationship remains professionally distant. "We've never really sat down and had dinner or anything like that," the 103-time Grand Prix winner revealed.
The revelation comes as Hamilton prepares for his final season with Mercedes before his shock move to Ferrari in 2025, while Horner continues to lead Red Bull's dominant championship-winning team.
