Red Bull's Christian Horner out, Max Verstappen staying put

Christian Horner received a pink slip from Red Bull Racing on Wednesday after a wildly successful two-decade run that was not without distraction.

Laurent Mekies was named as Horner's successor as team principal, effectively immediately.

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, said in a prepared statement. "With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."

Horner, 51, was the head of a racing team with 124 grand prix wins, eight driver titles -- four by Max Verstappen and four for Sebastian Vettel -- and six constructors' titles. He is married to Geri Halliwell of Spice Girls fame, but has been embroiled in scandal over inappropriate behavior with a female colleague multiple times.

Verstappen's agent, Raymond Vermeulen, told Fomule1.NL on Wednesday that he remains committed to Red Bull in spite of the change.

"We have a contract with Red Bull and are committed, as we have been for 11 years. We now mainly want the performance to return," Vermeulen said. "Max wants to get the best out of the material he has at his disposal, but we also realize that the championship is no longer possible."

The latest off-the-track trouble for Horner, who was cleared of wrongdoing on two prior occasions under similar accusations, arose last year when alleged conversations between Horner and the female colleague on WhatsApp became public.

Mekies, 48, had been the team principal for Racing Bulls. Alan Permane was named as his replacement to lead the junior team.

--Field Level Media