The constructor fired team principal Christian Horner after 20 years in the job earlier this week amid a disappointing campaign that has seen them fall off the pace of McLaren but Marko claims that the decision wasn't made with an eye on the future.

In comments released by Red Bull, the executive said: "Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years - both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000. I would like to sincerely thank Christian for that.

"During this time, we were able to celebrate an incredible number of outstanding achievements. We helped develop two World Drivers' Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been - and still is - the Red Bull way.

"As for the current sporting situation: there are still twelve races to go, and we will continue to fight for the drivers' championship as long as it's mathematically possible."

Red Bull have promoted Laurent Mekies from junior team Racing Bulls and the new boss is determined to oversee an upturn in fortunes during the second half of the campaign - even though the prospect of another title win for Max Verstappen appears remote.

He said: "I look at this team as most outside look at them, we see the very best people in the world at what they do.

"That's what this team is, even from being a competitor previously you look at Red Bull Racing as being the sharpest team, having managed to accumulate the best talent to work together.

"It is a privilege to join the Team and the focus will be on making sure all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they are already the very best.

"We are not underestimating the challenge ahead, we will need everybody and we will go about it together and I am sure with everyone's contributions we will tackle this challenge."