Christian Horner has his say on Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari move

Christian Horner has described Lewis Hamilton’s sensational switch to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season as “pretty exciting”.

Hamilton will race in red for the first time in his illustrious F1 career in 2025, partnering Charles Leclerc.

The shock news, which was announced at the start of February, will see Hamilton leave Mercedes after 12 seasons.

Hamilton has raced with Mercedes throughout his F1 career, starting with McLaren, which were powered by the German manufacturer. 

He then made an inspired switch to Mercedes for 2013 - which many criticised at the time, but it ultimately paid off, as he stormed to six title wins with the team.

Speaking ahead of the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car - the RB20 - Horner gave his reaction to Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes.

“First of all I think everybody was surprised, even his existing team [Mercedes], about Lewis’ move to Ferrari,” he said.

“He’s obviously seen something there that he believes in that serves him better than staying where he is. I think for F1, a Lewis-Ferrari tie-up is really exciting.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari might force Red Bull’s hand into replacing Sergio Perez given the Scuderia will have a superteam with the seven-time world champion alongside Leclerc.

The 39-year-old has been a thorn in Red Bull’s side over the years, dominating the V6 hybrid era with Mercedes at their expense, while going head-to-head in a titanic duel for both titles in 2021.

However, Horner acknowledged Hamilton’s ability to make “brave” and “inspired” decisions, ultimately believing the switch will be good for the sport as a whole.

“He’s still got this season to go with this existing team but he’s proven in the past he’s not shy of making brave decisions,” he added. 

“His move from McLaren to Mercedes for all intents and purposes looked not to be the right one at the time but proved to be an inspired one. 

“I am sure he would have thought about it long and hard. For Formula 1, a Hamilton-Ferrari tie-up is pretty exciting.”