Lewis Hamilton recalls first Christian Horner meeting: 'We didn't hit it off'

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he did not exactly hit it off with Christian Horner when he first met him 20 years ago.

The former Red Bull team principal was relieved of his duties in the days following the British Grand Prix, with Laurent Mekies promoted from Racing Bulls to replace him, becoming just the second boss in the Milton Keynes squad's history.

Horner had been at the helm of the six-time constructors' champions since it bought the Jaguar team for the 2005 season, having cut his teeth in the junior formulae.

Therefore, the Belgian Grand Prix is the first weekend of Hamilton's F1 career that his compatriot will not be on the opposition's pit wall.

From his time at McLaren and Mercedes, the seven-time F1 drivers' champion often went head-to-head with Horner's drivers, most notably during the contentious and ill-tempered 2021 campaign.

Ahead of the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, the now-Ferrari driver was asked for his views on Horner's shock departure - and if it marked the end of an era for him.

"That doesn’t change anything in my life," Hamilton replied to media, including RacingNews365.

"What to say? The team has been - it's been incredible to see the progress. I remember sitting with Christian back in 2005?

"I remember sitting in his office in GP2. Well, I was in Formula 3, but looking to go into GP2 for his first year. I think he was at Arden or something.

Hamilton ultimately signed with the Fred Vasseur-led ART Grand Prix outfit for the 2006 GP2, becoming champion before ascending to F1 with McLaren the year after, but provided an insight into his first encounter with Horner.

"I wouldn’t say we hit it off from the get-go!" the 105-time grand prix winner exclaimed about the 51-year-old, before underlining the success he brought to Red Bull.

"But to see his progression and career - it’s been clearly remarkable what he did with the team.

"With a huge group of amazing people, to really run an organisation that big and that well takes talent and skill. And that’s what he brought to the team. So, I wish him all the best."