Horner leaves Hamilton alone: "That's not our business"

The loss in Abu Dhabi against Max Verstappen hurt Lewis Hamilton so much that we have heard almost nothing from the seven-time world champion since. It remains to be seen whether Hamilton will return to F1 this year. Christian Horner hopes he will.

There is a big radio silence from the Brit. The driver who is normally very active on social media has not posted anything on Instagram after the Abu Dhabi qualifying on December 11. He also decided to make a statement by unfollowing everyone on the platform. Hamilton was also absent from the FIA gala, where the awards of that sporting year were handed out.

It was not only a single victory that was taken away from him, but also his eighth world title. The tension between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes was already there, but in the weeks following the dénouement, the contention over the outcome only increased.

Speaking to WION, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is asked if he thinks Hamilton will still return this year, and they also asked him if the sport still needs Hamilton. Horner: "I certainly hope he will be back this year. He is still driving at an incredibly high level. Those two drivers were in a different league last year." Furthermore, Horner decides to leave his compatriot alone. The team boss stresses that it is Hamilton's choice and that he is best placed to decide what to do: "That is none of our business."