Lewis Hamilton wanted to move to Red Bull and had advanced discussions with the champions before he agreed a deal to race for Mercedes this season, according to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The Briton was quoted as saying that the 2008 world champion asked him to broker a move to Sebastian Vettel’s team but talks ended when Red Bull’s billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz insisted on Mark Webber having first refusal.

“Sebastian wouldn’t have cared if Lewis had signed for the team,” said the 82-year-old, who is close to the 25-year-old Vettel.

“Dietrich is a very honest, straightforward guy and told Mark the door was open for him to stay. That was good of him,” added the Briton.

“Had Mark gone, Dietrich would have signed Lewis.”

Webber had been approached by Ferrari but opted to stay alongside his German team-mate.

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