What happened: Horner said Red Bull held early discussions with Hamilton's management about joining the team. Those talks ended without a deal, and Mercedes then signed the British driver.

Why it matters: Hamilton's subsequent Mercedes tenure became one of the sport's defining driver-team pairings. The account clarifies a sliding-doors choice for Red Bull's lineup history.

What to watch: Attention now turns to the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Further reaction may follow from the Austin paddock.