16/10/2025 21:40
Lewis Hamilton has labelled the speculation surrounding Christian
Horner being linked with a role at Ferrari as "distracting" for the
team. Horner exited the Red Bull team in the days that followed
the British Grand Prix, ending his 20-year stint in charge of the
Milton Keynes-based squad. The Briton is currently serving a period
of gardening leave before he is allowed to make a return to the F1
grid, which could be as early as spring next year. Horner has been
linked with roles at various teams. Aston Martin and Haas confirmed
the 51-year-old had reached out for preliminary talks before
asserting discussions did not progress further. Ferrari has also
been linked as a potential destination for Horner, despite current
team principal Fred Vasseur penning an extension earlier this year.
Hamilton hit back at the rumours placing Horner at the Italian
squad, insisting it is only serving as a distraction. "I don't know
where the rumours have come from so I can't really shed much light
on it," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365 . "But it's a
little bit distracting for us as a team. 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. "These
things, naturally, aren't helpful. I know everyone back at the
factory is working incredibly hard and is focused. "These rumours
can sometimes be distracting." Hamilton has not enjoyed a
successful first season at Ferrari and is still awaiting his first
trip to the podium with the team. The seven-time champion asserted
his primary focus is on the 2026 car, which Ferrari hope will see
it take a leap up the pecking order as fresh technical regulations
come into play. "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," Hamilton
added. "Really, continue to build a foundation on this year so that
next year we can have better execution and better overall
performance. "[We're having] lots of meetings, trying to make sure
we're sailing in the right direction."
