End of an era: Red Bull sack Horner

Team boss departs in tears, Mekies steps in

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Christian Horner was on Wednesday sacked by Red Bull after a hugely successful 20 years as team principal of the Formula One outfit.

The 51-year-old has been in charge since the team was formed in 2005 and led them to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns.

Dutchman Max Verstappen has won the past four drivers' titles for Red Bull, matching the achievement of Sebastian Vettel, who dominated for the team from 2010 to 2013.

Horner broke down in tears as he informed the team's workforce of the news of his departure at the team's base in Milton Keynes on Wednesday, according to British media reports.

Horner's dismissal as CEO and team principal comes 17 months after he was accused by a woman colleague of "inappropriate behaviour".

The Englishman was twice cleared over the claims by the Formula One team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, stood by him.

But there have been rumblings of discontent within the team, with several high-profile departures, while form on the track has nosedived.