Horner wants Hamilton in F1 this season

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner wants Lewis Hamilton to continue his rivalry in F1 with Max Verstappen this season.

It has now been over seven weeks since the controversial end to the 2021 campaign at the end of which Verstappen beat Hamilton by eight points to clinch his first title.

Hamilton has since gone to ground, "disillusioned" according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, and bar the odd image of him in Los Angeles, little has been seen of the 37-year-old who has also remained silent.

The fact there has been no word from Mercedes or Hamilton on whether the Briton will return to F1 this year has only fuelled speculation about possible retirement rather than aiming for an outright record eighth title.

Horner, though, has expressed his desire for Hamilton to not walk away.

"I certainly hope Lewis will be around this year," said Horner in an interview with WION.

"He's still driving at an incredible level. The two drivers [Hamilton and Verstappen] last year were in a league of their own."

Horner appreciates, however, it is Hamilton's call with regard to his future.

"But ultimately it's his choice, his career, it's his decision," added Horner/

"So I'm sure he'll decide to do what's best for him, what he wants to do, and that's none of our business."