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.

Christian Horner has been sacked as CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, the team announced Wednesday.

Red Bull has sacked long-serving Formula One principal Christian Horner and promoted Laurent Mekies from sister team Racing Bulls in the role of chief executive. Horner, 51, had been in position since becoming the youngest team boss when Red Bull made its debut as a constructor in 2005.