Was Hamilton Close to Joining Red Bull?
Lewis Hamilton could have joined Red Bull instead of Mercedes in 2013 — and Christian Horner says the two sides held a secret meeting to discuss the move.
In his new memoir, Horner reveals that Hamilton was looking to leave McLaren after the 2012 season, with Red Bull reportedly his preferred destination.
The meeting took place at the home of Red Bull technical chief Adrian Newey, near Ascot. According to Horner, Hamilton got straight to the point: “What will it take to join you guys?”
Newey was excited by the prospect of pairing Hamilton with Sebastian Vettel. Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko, however, was less enthusiastic, concerned about the impact on his protégé.
The biggest obstacle? Money. Horner says Hamilton’s representatives were seeking a deal that would have cost Red Bull a fortune. Despite the commercial appeal, Horner chose not to push the move aggressively.
Hamilton ultimately joined Mercedes, where he won six world championships and helped build one of F1’s most dominant partnerships.
But there was another twist. Horner reveals that Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda later approached him about becoming team principal. Horner turned down the offer, citing his loyalty to Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Mercedes appointed Toto Wolff instead.
Hamilton at Red Bull. Horner at Mercedes. Imagine how different F1 history could have been. 🏎️
The Mineral Everyone Forgets Until Their Driveway Freezes Over
Most people couldn't tell you what scandium is for, but everyone knows what happens when roads go unsalted. North America keeps running short, and Atlas Salt (TSXV: SALT) is building a shovel-ready mine in Newfoundland, three days by ship from Boston, with C$188 million in projected yearly free cash flow.
Renault Sells Its F1 Engine Operation — Could It Return to Racing?
Renault has agreed to sell Alpine Racing SAS, its former Formula 1 engine operation at Viry-Châtillon near Paris, to Belgian powertrain specialist Dumarey Group.
The deal preserves 150 jobs after Renault decided in 2024 to end its works F1 engine programme and switch Alpine to Mercedes power units from 2026.
Financial terms have not been disclosed.
Under the agreement, the site will operate under Dumarey’s ownership and management. The companies also see potential to use its Formula 1 engineering expertise to support racing teams in the future.
Dumarey founder and chairman Guido Dumarey said the ambition was to preserve and develop the site’s engineering capabilities while creating new opportunities for growth.
Renault’s F1 engine programme is over, but the expertise built at Viry-Châtillon may yet find its way back onto the grid. 🏎️
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F1’s Top Teams Are Preparing for a Reset in 2027
Next season may look like a modest regulatory evolution on paper, but Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren are preparing for much bigger changes than expected.
Mercedes: finding answers
Mercedes’ recent upgrades have failed to deliver the expected gains. In Singapore, the W17 lost some of its straight-line advantage, with increased drag and an imperfect balance affecting overall efficiency. In Austin, the team will seek answers and continue evaluating its updated package.
Ferrari: one last push
Ferrari brings a major floor and bodywork upgrade to Austin. The SF-26 remains strong on chassis performance, but its power unit is still a weakness. The team also needs to confirm that its simulation tools and development direction can be trusted for 2027.
Red Bull: almost starting from scratch
Technical director Pierre Waché has revealed just how much will change: “We will carry very little of the RB22 into next year.” The chassis and gearbox will both be different as the team adapts to the new regulations.
McLaren is also preparing significant changes, including a move towards a longer wheelbase.
The key question is no longer just who can find more performance in 2026. It’s which team has the right tools, concepts and data to get the 2027 project right. 🏎️
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