Christian Horner entered Formula 1 as its youngest team principal in 2005 and developed Red Bull from a “party team” to a serial title winner. Ford wants to get out of F1 after five underwhelming years running a team under its Jaguar brand.

Mekies, who had been head of sister team Racing Bulls, brings vast experience to the role after he was hired to replace Horner as chief executive of Red Bull's F1 team. The timing of Horner's firing at least gives him a little bit of time to prepare, as he takes charge of his first race at the Belgian GP on July 27.