In a stunning shake-up, Red Bull Racing has parted ways with long-serving team principal Christian Horner, abruptly ending his two-decade tenure that transformed the outfit into a Formula 1 powerhouse.

The decision, announced Wednesday, offered no official explanation. In a brief statement, Red Bull thanked Horner for his immense contributions, noting he would `forever remain an important part of our team history`. Laurent Mekies, currently heading the sister outfit Racing Bulls, will step in as chief executive of Red Bull Racing.

Horner, 50, has been synonymous with Red Bull since its entry into Formula 1 as a full constructor in 2005. Under his stewardship, the team clinched eight drivers’ championships, four apiece through Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, along with six constructors’ crowns.