Just weeks prior to his abrupt sacking, rumours surfaced that Ferrari had enquired about signing Horner to their ranks as current F1 boss Fred Vasseur faces constant pressure at the helm of the Scuderia.

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.

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.