Lewis Hamilton mirrored on Christian Horner’s high-profile exit from Purple Bull, revealing that the pair “didn’t hit it off” after they first met, however he acknowledged his “outstanding” contribution to F1.
Throughout the two-week hole between the British and Belgian Grands Prix, Purple Bull introduced they’d parted methods with Horner.
Horner had been the Purple Bull workforce principal since their inception again in 2005.
The Briton oversaw title wins with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, changing into considered one of F1’s most profitable workforce principals.
Nevertheless, issues have turned bitter for Horner up to now 12 months.
A scandal round Horner’s alleged inappropriate behaviour rocked the workforce.
It coincided with the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley.
Purple Bull’s on-track type additionally suffered, despite the fact that Verstappen received the 2024 F1 drivers’ title.
Purple Bull’s lacklustre performances continued into this 12 months, whereas Horner was additionally criticised for his dealing with of Sergio Perez.
Perez was dropped for Liam Lawson on the finish of final 12 months 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 considered one of Purple Bull’s important rivals.
This was the case towards Vettel within the early 2010s.
Extra memorably, Hamilton was embroiled in a titanic scrap with Verstappen and Purple 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” after 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 unimaginable 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 outstanding what he did with the workforce. To run an organisation that large and that effectively takes coronary heart and ability, that’s what he delivered to the workforce.
“I want him all the very best.”
