Bernie Ecclestone: 'Lewis Hamilton wanted Red Bull move'

Formula One president Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that Lewis Hamilton wanted a move to Red Bull during the off-season.

Before moving from McLaren to Mercedes at the end of last year, the Daily Express claims that Hamilton was in advanced talks with Red Bull over a move to the team.

However, the move broke down due to Championship-winning team's refusal to boot out Mark Webber, but Ecclestone admits that Hamilton had asked him to try to push through a move.

"Sebastian [Vettel] wouldn't have cared if Lewis had signed for the team," Ecclestone said.

"Dietrich [Mateschitz] is a very honest, straightforward guy and told Mark the door was open for him to stay. That was good of him.

"Had Mark gone, Dietrich would have signed Lewis."

The Red Bull duo finished a controversial first and second during the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday while Hamilton took third.