Christian Horner has been dismissed by Red Bull, concluding his 20-year tenure as the Formula 1 team’s only principal since its inception in 2005.
The 51-year-old’s departure is effective today, Red Bull GmbH announced in a statement on Wednesday.
Horner’s sacking comes 17 months after a female colleague accused him of “inappropriate behaviour.”
Despite being twice cleared of the claims by Red Bull’s parent company, the decision to remove him from his operational duties has been made.
Red Bull GmbH confirmed the leadership change, stating, “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO (chief executive) of Red Bull Racing.”