Christian Horner says McLaren is now a weaker team after the loss of Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes for the 2013 𝓀F1 season.

Hamilton revealed earlier this year that his 14-year relationship with McLaren was to draw to a close at the end of 2012, with the Briton inking a deal to partner Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes line-up from next💞 season onwards.

McLaren will replace Hamilton with Sergio Perez after the Mexican impressed this season with three podium finishes for Sauber, although the youngster also suffered his fair shar🀅e of issues on track and failed to score following the announcement of his move.

Recen🦄t seasons have seen McLaren - with a partnership of Hamilton and Jenson Button - as one of the main challengers to Red Bull in the title race, and Horner admitted that losing the 2008 champion would be a blow forꦛ the Woking-based outfit.

"I think McLaren is a weaker team without Lewis," he was quoted by the Press Association. "I think McLaren would admit that. Lewis is an outstanding drive♏r and in Lewis and Jenson they had a hugely strong driver line-up.

"Whichever team ha🀅d taken Lewis, he would be an asset. I'm sure he will naturally add performance to Mercedes next𓃲 year."

However, Horner added that 💙only a fool would write off McLaren in the title race given the success the team has enjoyed in the pa🤪st.

"McLaren have had a great car this year," he said, "and who's to say they won't have an even betteꦆr one next year?"