Red Bull hope "incredible" Hamilton will return to F1

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has stated his "hope" that Lewis Hamilton will elect against retirement and return to Mercedes this year.

Hamilton has remained silent since the controversial F1 season-finale in December with even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff conceding not to know the seven-time champion's plans.

Speaking to Indian broadcaster WION, Horner said: “I certainly hope that Lewis will be around this year. He is still driving at an incredible level.

“The two drivers last year were in a league of their own, but ultimately it is his choice. It’s his career, his decision.

“So I’m sure he will decide to do what is best for him and what he wants to do and that is none of our business.”

After returning to Milton Keynes from Abu Dhabi, Verstappen received a hero's welcome with plumes of orange smoke as the team celebrated.

“It was an amazing reception to welcome Max back, to see him come back as a world champion," added Horner.

"Obviously, he has grown up with Red Bull and is a product of the junior team. We’ve watched him develop from a teenager into a young man and the way he drove last year was fully deserving of the world title.”

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