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.

New Red Bull F1 team principal Laurent Mekies has hinted at the enormity of the task he faces in replacing Christian Horner. Horner was relieved of his operational duties at Red Bull, both as CEO and team principal, on Wednesday morning.

Christian Horner’s sacking from Red Bull sent shockwaves through Formula 1. But his replacement Laurent Mekies could be the calm presence the team needs amid what promises to be an intense period of scrutiny.