Horner Fired in Shock Ending

Red Bull thank him for 'exceptional service', name Mekies new team boss in shake-up

- 

LONDON - Red Bull have sacked team principal Christian Horner and named Laurent Mekies as the Briton's replacement, the Formula One team announced on July 9.

The 51-year-old Horner has occupied the role ever since the team started out in the championship in 2005.

He oversaw a period of dominance by the team who claimed the drivers' championship eight times - Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and Max Verstappen winning the past four titles - and six constructors' crowns.

However, his fortunes have dipped in the past 18 months after being accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.

Although Horner, whose wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, stood by him during the testing time, was cleared twice, there have been rumblings of discontent within the team, with several high-profile departures, and their form has tailed off.

"Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday, July 9) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing," read the team statement.