Lewis Hamilton pursued by Red Bull Racing despite his “drinks” comment – Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton, recently renowned for his “Drinks” comment about the Red Bull team, is being wooed by the Austrian Drinks Company as a driver alongside Sebastian Vettel for the 2012 Formula 1 season. The Red Bull team is looking at the British man as an
option to drive the ‘Bull (car)’ which Mark Webber might leave after 2011 season.
Lewis Hamilton referred to the Red Bull team as a “Drinks Company” and said that the pinnacle of Formula 1 will either be the Ferrari team or the McLaren team and Red Bull just had a stroke of luck last year. Hamilton was talking after pre-season testing
sessions which clearly showed the Bulls as the fastest campaigners for the 2011 title shot.
Looking at McLaren’s performance in the pre-season testing and Hamilton’s comments, it was interesting to see Hamilton was able to live up to his word as he was the only real threat to Vettel’s first position in the Australian Grand prix.
However, Ferrari did not perform as Hamilton promised, but were able to keep one Bull, Mark Webber, under check. Webber ended his home track race in fifth position behind Alonso which should put pressure on the RBR team. Their Constructor’s title will be
compromised if McLaren is able to catch up.
Mark Webber is on a one year contract with the Red Bull team, which ends in 2011. The 34-year-old Australian is yet to win a driver’s championship. Hss best position came last year where he finished third, while his team-mate, Vettel, became the youngest
Formula 1 champion in the history of the sport.
Before the start of the 2011’s first Grand Prix, Vettel’s contract with the RBR team was extended to 2014. 60 more team members were given contracts just as long but Webber’s contract was not renewed, which clearly showed that the Red Bull team is aiming
somewhere else. When asked about Webber, Horner smartly stated that his presence with the team will be decided in terms of his performance and willingness to stay on the grid.
Red Bull is already looking for replacements and is looking at Hamilton as Vettel’s team-mate. Hamilton, on the other hand, clearly stated that he is staying with the McLaren team and is not thinking of a shift any time soon. However, he did say “Of course,
I'm going to be in Formula One for some time, and you never know which way the wind will take you.”
Red Bull’s Advisor, Helmut Marko, commented recently that Hamilton is the last spice in the Red Bull’s 2012 recipe. Marko explained that Webber’s performance in 2011 will decide his future with the RBR team and after that Hamilton will be pursued to drive
alongside his Junior Formula 1 team-mate, Vettel. “Definitely with his aggression and his speed, Hamilton must always be a topic. Our philosophy is to have the quickest drivers together in our team,” commented Marko.
However, Vettel and Hamilton have had a war of words after Hamilton commented about Vettel’s team. Finishing the race on podiums, both drivers never looked at ease with each other. Red Bull team may have a chance of getting the British driver if they again
succed in winning the top spot this season. Hamilton has already said that Vettel seems to have the fastest car on the grid.
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