CNN
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\n Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after 20 years with the team, a team spokesperson told CNN Sports<\/a> on Wednesday.\n <\/p>\n \n Red Bull did not give a reason for Horner\u2019s firing, but thanked him in a statement, adding that the 51-year-old will \u201cforever remain an important part of our team history.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n \u201cWe would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,\u201d Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull\u2019s chief executive for corporate projects and investments, said.\n <\/p>\n \n \u201cWith 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.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n Laurent Mekies \u2013 who works for Red Bull\u2019s sister team Racing Bulls \u2013 will replace Horner as team principal, the statement added.\n <\/p>\n \n Horner had been Red Bull\u2019s team principal since it joined F1 in 2005.\n <\/p>\n \n During the Brit\u2019s time in charge, Red Bull has had tremendous success, winning eight drivers\u2019 and six constructors championships.\n <\/p>\n \n The team won four consecutive drivers\u2019 world titles with Sebastien Vettel between 2010 and 2013 and Max Verstappen has become the current dominant force in F1, winning the last four championships.\n <\/p>\n \n Red Bull had 124 Grand Prix wins, 107 pole positions and 287 podium finishes with Horner at the helm.\n <\/p>\n \n In recent years, Horner\u2019s time with Red Bull has been controversial.\n <\/p>\n \n Red Bull launched an independent investigation in February last year after Horner was accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior towards a member of the racing team, who has not been identified.\n <\/p>\n \n Horner was later cleared of wrongdoing and reiterated his denial of the allegations<\/a> after alleged leaked messages were distributed to members of the F1 community in a Google Drive. CNN has been unable to corroborate the messages\u2019 authenticity and Red Bull previously said it would be \u201cinappropriate\u201d to comment on the matter.\n <\/p>\n