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.

Red Bull Racing announced Wednesday that CEO Christian Horner is departing the team after 20 years at the helm.

Christian Horner entered Formula 1 as its youngest team principal and developed Red Bull from a “party team” to a serial title winner