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Hamilton's new Red Bull link denied

Speculation over Lewis Hamilton's future has been a recurring theme this season © Sutton Images

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A spokesman for Lewis Hamilton has played down reports that Hamilton met Red Bull boss Christian Horner in the Montreal paddock to discuss his future.

After a difficult qualifying session in Canada Hamilton was seen speaking to Horner, with Autosport reporting that the pair spent 15 minutes talking in private. The Mirror also claimed that a similar meeting took place with Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, refuelling rumours from earlier in the season that Hamilton is looking to move away from McLaren when his contract runs out at the end of 2012.

The reports have forced a spokesman for Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment company - who manage Hamilton - to come out and make a statement denying any talks about his future.

"I can say categorically there are no talks with Red Bull or Ferrari. In fact anyone. If we were to start talks we would go to McLaren first. Lewis is happy at McLaren and still very positive about playing a part in this championship."

With Red Bull having supplied the dominant car for the last two seasons, and Hamilton's hopes of regaining the drivers' title he won in 2008 already slim as he trails Sebastian Vettel by 76 points, a move to the reigning constructors' champions would be an attractive proposition. Former McLaren and Red Bull driver David Coulthard wrote in his Daily Telegraph column that a break from McLaren could be the right move for Hamilton's career.

"Maybe (a new team) is something he needs after literally growing up at McLaren over the last decade - drop the emotional baggage which inevitably grows in every relationship."

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