Red Bull Motorsports
F1
Laurent Mekies: Meet the new head of Red Bull's F1 team
Oracle Red Bull Racing has appointed Laurent Mekies as the new team principal. Here's what you need to know about Max Verstappen's new boss.
Oracle Red Bull Racing has appointed Laurent Mekies as its new CEO and Team Principal, effective immediately. The move puts Mekies at the helm of one of Formula 1's most dominant teams as it looks ahead to a new chapter in its championship campaign. "I look at this team as most outside look at them. We see the very best people in the world at what they do," Mekies said on his first day at Silverstone. "Even from being a competitor previously, you look at Red Bull Racing as the sharpest team, having managed to accumulate the best talent to work together."
Mekies replaces Christian Horner, who led Red Bull Racing for the past 20 years. The team acknowledged Horner's enormous contribution, describing his two decades of leadership as marked by "exceptional work", along with "tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking." Red Bull added that Horner will always remain an important part of the team's history.
01
Who is Laurent Mekies?
Born on April 28, 1977, in Tours, France, Laurent Mekies has built a career defined by quiet determination and technical excellence. He studied mechanical engineering at the École supérieure des techniques aéronautiques et de construction automobile (ESTACA), before completing a master's in automotive engineering at the renowned Loughborough University - an academic hub that's launched many careers in Formula One.
Like most racing drivers, Mekies also started his adventure into motorsport in the lower racing series'. In his case, it was Formula 3. Mekies began his journey by joining Asiatech in 2000. Not long after, he broke into Formula 1 when Peugeot brought him on board as an engineer for its engine programme. This role quickly led to a move to the Arrows F1 team – then a Peugeot-powered outfit – where Mekies was responsible for engine performance from 2001 to 2002.
The 2001 Arrows A22
© DPPI
Mekies recalls how his F1 journey began: "I was first in Formula 3 and then sent my CV to Peugeot. Two weeks later I was testing as an engine supplier for Arrows, while three weeks later I started the F1 season in Melbourne. All because Jean Alesi moved to Sauber and took one of his engineers with him, creating a vacancy at Peugeot."
I was first in Formula 3 and then sent my CV to Peugeot. Two weeks later I was testing as an engine supplier for Arrows, while three weeks later I started the F1 season in Melbourne. All because Jean Alesi moved to Sauber and took one of his engineers with him, creating a vacancy at Peugeot
02
A rising force at Toro Rosso
In 2003, Mekies joined Minardi as a race engineer and rose through the ranks to become chief engineer. Then, when Red Bull took over the team and rebranded it as Toro Rosso, Mekies stayed on and played a key role in their most iconic moment: Sebastian Vettel's stunning win at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix. Mekies remained with the team until 2012, helping it outperform even Red Bull Racing that season.
Laurent Mekies with Sebastian Vettel - Toro Rosso 2008
© GEPA Pictures/Mathias Kniepeiss
03
Engineering leadership and the FIA years
From 2014 to 2017, Mekies worked for the FIA. During this period, the Frenchman served as Director of Vehicle Performance, coordinating six departments to optimise car performance. He also coordinated work related to the supervision of research and development projects carried out by F1 teams. He was involved in the development of the STR9 that was driven by a young Max Verstappen during his first F1 practice session in 2014.
At the FIA, he coordinated technical working groups and safety initiatives across F1 and its junior categories, drawing on his previous experience as Director of Vehicle Performance at Toro Rosso.
04
Ferrari chapter
In 2018, Mekies returned to the pit wall, but this time with Ferrari. Initially appointed Sporting Director, he was later promoted to Racing Director in 2021 and managed race operations, driver strategy and car performance during a highly scrutinised period for the Scuderia. Mekies stayed until mid-2023, when he accepted an offer to return to Faenza as Team Principal of the newly rebranded Visa CashApp Racing Bulls.
Laurent Mekies meets fans prior to the Australian Grand Prix
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
5 min
Tour of the Toro Rosso Factory in Faenza
We take you behind the scenes at Scuderia Toro Rosso's HQ in Faenza to see how the team prepare.
05
Visa Cash App RB: Rebuilding Faenza
Scuderia AlphaTauri underwent major changes in the second half of 2023, including a search for new sponsors and a rebrand to Visa CashApp RB for the 2024 F1 season. Franz Tost, the long-time head of the team retired and in his place was Mekies who took charge of the team. However, the Frenchman was not left alone with this challenge, because he could still count on Tost's advice as he sat in an advisory function, providing advice as needed by Red Bull and Visa CashApp RB.
Mekies looking ahead during the final practice
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
06
Oracle Red Bull Racing's new era
Now, midway through the 2025 season, Laurent Mekies has officially begun his new role as CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, joining the team during a planned filming day at Silverstone with the RB21.
Mekies arrives at work
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Known for his technical expertise, strategic insight and composure under pressure, Mekies enters his new role amid heightened expectations. After four consecutive championship-winning seasons with Max Verstappen, 2025 has presented fresh challenges: Verstappen is currently third in the Drivers' Standings with 165 points, while Oracle Red Bull Racing sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship with 172 points, trailing McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.
"We aren't underestimating the challenge ahead," Mekies acknowledged. "The focus will be on making sure all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they're already the very best, making sure the Red Bull energy is flowing through the team."
His message underscores one key principle: while leadership has changed, Red Bull Racing's ambition remains unwavering, driven by continuity, collaboration and relentless standards.
