Christian Horner's allies were sacked by Red Bull on Wednesday, just hours after the Briton was relieved of his duties by the F1 side.
The news of the 51-year-old's departure has sent shockwaves round the F1 community, with the announcement coming 17 months on from a sexting scandal that saw Horner twice clear his name.
According to The Sun, Red Bull's Austrian parent company, Red Bull GmbH, was keen to conduct a comprehensive restructuring at the team.
Those dismissed alongside Horner were believed to be close associates, with some having been hired directly by him during his tenure.
Christian Horner's allies were sacked by Red Bull on Wednesday, just hours after the Briton was relieved of his duties by the F1 side
PA
The departures mark the end of Horner's reign as Formula One's longest-serving team principal, during which he oversaw Red Bull's transformation into a dominant force.
Horner delivered an emotional farewell address to employees at Red Bull's Milton Keynes headquarters on Wednesday afternoon.
He told staff that he had been informed the previous day that he would "no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward".
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Christian Horner has lost his job at Red Bull after 20 years in the role of team principalGETTY"That obviously came as a shock to myself," Horner said during the gathering. He expressed his gratitude to team members, stating: "Being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life."
The outgoing team principal reflected on his journey with the constructor, recalling how he had arrived "20 years ago, with fewer grey hairs" to find "two run-down buildings" that would eventually become "a powerhouse in Formula One".
Laurent Mekies has been appointed as Horner's replacement, joining from Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls.
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The Frenchman brings 24 years of Formula One experience, having previously worked with teams including Minardi and Ferrari.
A source close to the situation described Mekies as a "far more anonymous" character who is eager to impose "his own vision" on the team.
The management changes will enable the incoming team principal to build his own staff structure at the Milton Keynes-based constructor.
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Mekies faces an immediate challenge, with just two weeks to prepare before the next Grand Prix in Belgium. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors' standings, trailing leaders McLaren by 288 points.
World champion Max Verstappen, whose father Jos has had a strained relationship with Horner, shared a brief farewell message.
"From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes," Verstappen wrote. "Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!"
Red Bull confirmed that Laurent Mekies will take Christian Horner's role on Wednesday
GettyRed Bull Group chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff acknowledged Horner's contributions in his own statement.
"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Mintzlaff said.
"With his commitment, experience and expertise, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula One."