Jacques Villeneuve has committed himself to British American Racing next season despite the departure of friend and team boss Craig Pollock.
The Canadian former world champion said last year that he would leave if Pollock, his friend and mentor, was ousted as principal of the Formula One team he helped found in 1999.
Reminded of that declaration today, a day after Pollock's abrupt exit "to pursue other interests" was announced, Villeneuve made clear that he had been shocked by what had happened but that times had changed.
"I think that when I said that, I could actually physically go. Now I can't," said the 1997 champion, talking to reporters after the launch of BAR's 2002 car with new team boss David Richards sitting alongside.
"This situation is not included in my contract.
"I have a contract. There's a lot of people that I've worked hard with for a long time and they've worked their guts out in this team. So I won't drop them.
"Since last year, we've worked hard...and changes have happened in the team," he added, referring to the appointment of Geoff Willis as technical director.
"I think it will be nice to see what these changes can bring."