Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday morning that Christian Horner, 51, has left his roles as chief executive and team principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team

Max Verstappen’s manager has responded to the news that Christian Horner has left his post as team principal at Red Bull Racing. The Formula 1 team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Horner had been “released from his operational duties”.

Star driver Verstappen has yet to respond personally to the news but his camp has since put out a statement. “We were informed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision had been made,” the Dutchman’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, said.

“It is up to Red Bull to provide further explanation regarding the reasons. We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so we can return to the top. In that respect, nothing will change.”

Horner was hired by Red Bull in 2005 when the company first entered F1, having bought out the struggling Jaguar team. During his 20-year tenure, the team won six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles – four each split between Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff who, as Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments, was effectively Horner’s boss at the Austria-based energy drinks company.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”