“No Way”: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s Partnership Bluntly Dismissed by Helmut Marko Echoing Christian Horner’s Stance

A head-to-head and heated championship bout in equal machinery is what dreams are made of in the world of F1. However, in recent history, we have only seen this scenario come to life in 2016. We could have seen this exciting scenario come to life once again in the near future as rumors of Lewis Hamilton wanting to join Red Bull came to light. However, general understanding prevailed as everyone, including Helmut Marko, dismissed any chances of the seven-time world champion partnering with Max Verstappen. There are many reasons why a team would not want to put the two next to each other and this is exactly what Dr. Marko reiterated, echoing Christian Horner‘s assessment.

The Red Bull door slammed shut for Lewis Hamilton once again

The paddock was full of chatter ahead of the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP when Christian Horner made a wild revelation about Hamilton’s camp reaching out to Red Bull, among other teams, to discuss a possible partnership when his future was still uncertain. However, Hamilton gave a fitting reply to the comments made by Horner and started a war of words.

Now, as seen on X and reported by Motorsport, Helmut Marko has chimed in as well. The Austrian executive said, “Christian informed me and showed me the text message he received, but I told him: ‘Hamilton and Max, that doesn’t work.’ There was too much action and how should I say, in 2021, tension. On the other hand, we cannot afford to have the two most expensive drivers in one team. It’s just never going to happen. So I told Christian: ‘No way.’”  

Read More: Amid Ongoing War of Words, Christian Horner Uses Lewis Hamilton’s Ill Fate to Sound Alarm at Red Bull

So to reiterate the point, we’re not seeing a Hamilton-Verstappen partnership ever, or at least anytime soon, especially in the world of F1. For those who are confused with the entire saga or not up to date, let us give you a quick rundown of what has been said.

A rundown of finger-pointing between Lewis Hamilton and the Red Bull boss

The entire saga began when Horner made a statement about Hamilton’s future ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP. Horner said, “They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest.”

This sent the entire world of F1 into a frenzy. However, Hamilton promptly made a statement refuting Horner’s claim. He said, “No one, as far as I’m aware, from my team has spoken to him. I haven’t spoken to Christian in years.”

In fact, Hamilton revealed it was the other way round and revealed, “However, he did reach out to me earlier in the year about meeting up.”

It did not stop there. Horner revealed the part Hamilton’s father played in the entire saga. He said, “I have known Anthony Hamilton for some time… there was an exchange. Anthony just asked about Checo. I don’t think he was enquiring about himself.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton remains unwavering in his determination to halt Max Verstappen’s dominance, despite enduring significant neglect from the FIA

It’s a great big mess and we don’t know who to believe and what to believe. What is your take on the entire saga?