Prior to Wednesday, Horner had served as the only team principal Red Bull had ever had since it joined the grid in 2005, earning 124 victories, 107 pole positions, 287 podiums, eight drivers' world championships and six constructors' championships. Horner will be replaced by Laurent Mekies as CEO and team principal.

The husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell cut a subdued figure after the British Grand Prix and has now left his team after two decades of involvement and six constructors titles

Christian Horner has been fired by Red Bull's Formula 1 team and it only adds to speculation about the future of four-time champion Max Verstappen.