Mekies, who had been head of sister team Racing Bulls, brings vast experience to the role after he was hired to replace Horner as chief executive of Red Bull's F1 team. The timing of Horner's firing at least gives him a little bit of time to prepare, as he takes charge of his first race at the Belgian GP on July 27.

Christian Horner’s tenure as the longest-serving F1 team principal came to an abrupt and unexpected end on Wednesday.