LONDON - Frenchman Laurent Mekies got down to work as Red Bull team principal on Thursday, a day after replacing Christian Horner, and recognised big challenges ahead for the once-dominant former champions.

Red Bull has lost several key figures across the past 18 months, most notably design legend Adrian Newey, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, and Chief Designer Rob Marshall. The sacking of Horner means that a fourth pillar of long-term success is gone.

Wednesday marked the dawn of a new era at Red Bull. The only Team Principal in the Formula 1 team’s history was let go with immediate effect, as Christian Horner was sacked after 20 seasons at the helm.

Laurent Mekies’ promotion to the head of Red Bull’s Formula 1 top table might be the most welcome news for its struggling driver Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese has mustered just seven points since replacing fellow struggler Liam Lawson after just two races, amid a plethora of issues getting to grips with the tricky RB21.

New Red Bull team principal and CEO Laurent Mekies says his promotion from Racing Bulls in place of Christian Horner is an honor, and that the team will achieve “great results” in future.Horner was removed from his position this week,