Lewis Hamilton mirrored on Christian Horner’s high-profile exit from Pink Bull, revealing that the pair “didn’t hit it off” once they first met, however he acknowledged his “exceptional” contribution to F1.
In the course of the two-week hole between the British and Belgian Grands Prix, Pink Bull introduced that they had parted methods with Horner.
Horner had been the Pink Bull workforce principal since their inception again in 2005.
The Briton oversaw title wins with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, changing into one in every of F1’s most profitable workforce principals.
Nevertheless, issues have turned bitter for Horner previously 12 months.
A scandal round Horner’s alleged inappropriate behaviour rocked the workforce.
It coincided with the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley.
Pink Bull’s on-track kind additionally suffered, although Verstappen gained the 2024 F1 drivers’ title.
Pink Bull’s lacklustre performances continued into this yr, whereas Horner was additionally criticised for his dealing with of Sergio Perez.
Perez was dropped for Liam Lawson on the finish of final yr regardless of being given a brand new contract earlier within the season.
Hamilton displays on Horner exit
Since being in F1, Hamilton has usually been one in every of Pink Bull’s foremost rivals.
This was the case towards Vettel within the early 2010s.
Extra memorably, Hamilton was embroiled in a titanic scrap with Verstappen and Pink Bull in 2021.
When requested about Horner’s departure within the FIA press convention in Belgium on Wednesday, Hamilton admitted “we didn’t hit it off” once they first met in 2005.
Nevertheless, the seven-time world champion praised Horner’s contribution and legacy.
“It doesn’t change something in my life,” Hamilton initially mentioned when requested about Horner. “It’s been unbelievable to see the progress [at Red Bull].
“I sat with Christian again in 2005, sat in his workplace trying to enter GP2, he was at Arden or one thing. I wouldn’t say we hit it off from the get-go!
“To see his development, it was exceptional what he did with the workforce. To run an organisation that massive and that nicely takes coronary heart and ability, that’s what he delivered to the workforce.
“I want him all one of the best.”