Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull F1 CEO on Wednesday in a shock announcement. The 51-year-old won six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles with the team but fell out with sections of senior management towards the end of his tenure.

Speaking at a planned filming day with the 2025 car at Silverstone on his first day on the job, Mekies paid tribute to his predecessor and admitted it felt odd to be at Red Bull without Horner there.

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has opened up on the sudden ousting of his former team boss Christian Horner.