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 has pledged not give up on the Formula 1 title fight until it’s mathematically impossible for Max Verstappen to win, even after Christian Horner was fired as team principal.

After 20 years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is out as team principal and CEO, effective Wednesday. The bombshell move comes at a tumultuous time for the Formula One team as it struggles to create a competitive car, sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings largely thanks to Max Verstappen’s performances this season.