Troubled Lewis Hamilton could be in line for a sensational switch to Red Bull Racing after it emerged he held private talks with the team's principal Christian Horner on Saturday evening.

Troubled Lewis Hamilton could be in line for a sensational switch to Red Bull Racing after it emerged he held private talks with the team's principal Christian Horner on Saturday evening.

The McLaren star, who retired from Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix on lap 8 after colliding with team-mate Jenson Button, is out of contract at the end of next season, and is yet to commit his future to the Woking-based team.


On the move? Hamilton held private talks with Horner over the weekend


Although a Red Bull source dismissed the 15-minute meeting as a 'social visit', the news is unlikely to dampen rumours that Hamilton could be ready to throw in the towel at McLaren.

Earlier this season, Hamilton hinted that he would be prepared to leave the British team in search of a second Formula One world title.

'I don't really envisage anything except winning world championships,' the 26-year-old said.

'I have only got a short period in Formula One. I am fortunate enough to be in a top team where I am comfortable but I want to win championships.'


In the wall: Hamilton collided with team-mate Button during the Canadian GP

Hamilton already trails Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel by a mammoth 76 points in the drivers' championship after his latest disappointment in Montreal.

His incident with Button followed an earlier collision with Mark Webber, prompting three-times world champion Niki Lauda to say: 'He is completely mad.'

Speaking on German television, the Austrian added: 'If the FIA does not punish him, I do not understand the world any more. At some point there has to be an end to all the jokes. You cannot drive like this as it will result in someone getting killed.'


Spinning around: The Briton also collided with Webber on lap 5 of the race

The only probable options for Hamilton beyond McLaren are Ferrari and Red Bull.

The Briton is unlikely to be partnered with bitter rival Fernando Alonso, who recently signed a five-year deal with the Italian marque, leaving Red Bull as the only other permutation.

Hamilton could replace Mark Webber in 2013, should the Australian agree a new one-year deal with the drinks manufacturer.