Red Bull says Christian Horner has been released from his role as longtime team principal of its Formula 1 team. Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision in a statement Wednesday, but thanked Horner for his work and said he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.

Red Bull’s Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday.

In less than two years, a championship-caliber team has disintegrated, Horner’s surprise sacking on Wednesday being the denouement.