Lewis Hamilton mirrored on Christian Horner’s high-profile exit from Crimson Bull, revealing that the pair “didn’t hit it off” once they first met, however he acknowledged his “exceptional” contribution to F1.
Through the two-week hole between the British and Belgian Grands Prix, Crimson Bull introduced they’d parted methods with Horner.
Horner had been the Crimson Bull crew 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 crew principals.
Nevertheless, issues have turned bitter for Horner prior to now 12 months.
A scandal round Horner’s alleged inappropriate behaviour rocked the crew.
It coincided with the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley.
Crimson Bull’s on-track kind additionally suffered, despite the fact that Verstappen received the 2024 F1 drivers’ title.
Crimson 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 Crimson Bull’s essential rivals.
This was the case in opposition to Vettel within the early 2010s.
Extra memorably, Hamilton was embroiled in a titanic scrap with Verstappen and Crimson 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 stated 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 wanting 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 crew. To run an organisation that huge and that nicely takes coronary heart and talent, that’s what he delivered to the crew.
“I want him all the most effective.”
