Lewis Hamilton offered an icy dismissal of Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull during a press conference before the Belgian Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion's response was stark and uncompromising when asked about Horner, who was relieved of his duties as team principal earlier this month.
"It doesn't change anything in my life," Hamilton stated with an emotionless expression when questioned about the development.
His terse comment created an uncomfortable pause amongst those present.
PA
|Lewis Hamilton offered an icy dismissal of Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull during a press conference before the Belgian Grand Prix
The Mercedes driver, who recently joined Ferrari, appeared unmoved by the significant shake-up at his rival team.
When journalists sought additional commentary on the surprising development, Hamilton maintained his detached stance, indicating the news held no personal significance for him.
Red Bull terminated Horner's position as team principal earlier this month after a series of disappointing performances by the racing outfit.
The decision came around 12 months after an independent inquiry had twice exonerated him regarding allegations of unsuitable conduct with a female staff member. He always denied the allegations.
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GETTY | Christian Horner oversaw great success at Red Bull during his time in charge prior to his dismissal last WednesdayHorner had been with Red Bull since 2005, arriving two years prior to Hamilton's Formula One debut.
During his tenure, he guided the team to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles.
Laurent Mekies, who previously led Racing Bulls, assumed control of the team with immediate effect from Wednesday.
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The leadership change marked the end of Horner's nearly two-decade association with the Austrian racing team.
Hamilton revealed their professional relationship stretched back two decades, recounting an early encounter when he was competing in Formula Three and considering GP2.
"I sat with Christian in his office back in 2005," Hamilton recalled. "He was with Arden."
The British driver acknowledged they hadn't immediately connected during that initial meeting. However, Hamilton recognised Horner's subsequent accomplishments, describing his career trajectory as "remarkable" and praising his ability to lead such a substantial operation.
"To run an organisation that big and that well takes talent and skill and that is what he brought to the team," Hamilton stated, before extending his best wishes to his former rival.
Hamilton's current struggles with Ferrari have been evident, having secured only fourth place at Silverstone in his most recent outing and failing to reach the podium since switching to the Italian outfit.
The Scuderia's championship drought extends back to their 2008 constructors' triumph, whilst their most recent drivers' crown came through Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
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The 40-year-old expressed unwavering resolve to end Ferrari's barren spell.
"The team have had amazing drivers - Kimi, Fernando, Sebastian - and yet they didn't win a title with Ferrari," Hamilton observed.
"I refuse for that to be the case with me, that's why I am going the extra mile. If you take the same path, you get the same results."