Lewis Hamilton Could Quit Ferrari If Team Sacks Vasseur, Warns F1 Expert.
Formula 1 expert and Drive to Survive personality Will Buxton has raised alarms about the potential fallout if Ferrari were to dismiss team principal Fred Vasseur — specifically, that it could jeopardize Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to the Scuderia.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast in light of Christian Horner’s sudden departure from Red Bull earlier this week, Buxton addressed swirling rumors that Horner could soon find himself back in the paddock — possibly even at Ferrari. However, Buxton cast doubt on this scenario, warning that such a shake-up could unsettle Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025.
“I don’t think this is the last we’ve seen of Christian Horner,” Buxton commented. “There have already been rumors this year linking him to both Alpine and Ferrari. Between the two, a move to Alpine makes more sense. Horner has strong ties with Flavio Briatore, so that seems more plausible.”
Despite Horner’s availability, Buxton urged caution when speculating about him replacing Vasseur at Ferrari. “If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don’t think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer,” he warned, hinting at a potential rift between Hamilton and Horner should such a swap occur.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is known for valuing team stability and strong working relationships — something he appears to have with Vasseur, who reportedly played a key role in securing his Ferrari deal. Any disruption to the current management structure could, according to Buxton, risk undermining Hamilton’s confidence in the move.
Meanwhile, Horner’s next move remains a subject of intense speculation. Though his 20-year stint with Red Bull came to an unexpected end on Wednesday, many believe he won’t be out of the sport for long. Laurent Mekies has already been named as his successor, but questions remain about where Horner could land next.
One realistic option, Buxton suggests, could be Alpine. The team is currently without a permanent principal after Oliver Oakes’ departure and sits at the bottom of the constructors’ standings. Despite their struggles, the Enstone-based outfit has potential. All 19 of their points this season have come from Pierre Gasly, and a major regulation shift in 2026 — alongside a switch to Mercedes engines — could provide the perfect conditions for a rebuild under Horner’s leadership.
Securing someone of Horner’s pedigree would be a massive boost for Alpine, offering hope for a revival as they prepare for the sport’s next major era.
The Sports Agents podcast episode is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
