Red Bull Begins a New Era Under Laurent Mekies
A major shakeup rocked the Formula 1 world on July 9, 2025. After years of dominance and headlines, Red Bull Racing parted ways with its long-serving Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner. In his place steps Laurent Mekies, a seasoned French engineer who now takes on the massive responsibility of leading one of F1’s most successful teams at a time when the team is facing real struggles.
Laurent Mekies Ushers in a New Era at Red Bull Racing
Red Bull, which once ruled the grid, has slipped to fourth place in the 2025 Constructors’ standings. There’s even talk that their superstar driver, Max Verstappen, might be considering a switch to Mercedes. For Mekies, the pressure couldn’t be higher. His mission? Rebuild performance, regain trust, and keep the team from slipping further behind.
Laurent Mekies: From Engineer to Team Leader: Who Is He?
Mekies, who was born in Tours, France, in April 1977, has always had a strong affinity for motorsport and infuses it into everything he does. “Before beginning his Formula One career with teams like Arrows and Minardi in the early 2000s, he attended ESTACA Paris and Loughborough University. Toro Rosso rose through the ranks to become chief engineer after Red Bull purchased it.
Later, he left his team responsibilities to work for the FIA, where he contributed to the development of safety measures like the now-famous halo cockpit protection. After a while, Mekies relocated to Ferrari, where he held the positions of Sporting Director and Racing Director until 2023. He most recently served as Racing Bulls’ leader in 2024 before being appointed to Red Bull Racing’s top position.
A Wider Shift in Leadership
Mekies isn’t the only one moving up. Alan Permane, a familiar face on the Racing Bulls’ pit wall, has now been promoted to team principal at Racing Bulls. Red Bull wants to keep continuity while bringing in fresh leadership. With Mekies’ rich mix of trackside experience, regulatory insight, and Ferrari pedigree, Red Bull is betting on a comeback.
Big Challenges Ahead
Let’s be honest—Mekies has his work cut out for him. Under Horner, Red Bull achieved an incredible six Constructors’ titles and eight Drivers’ Championships. But now, the team is 172 points behind the 2025 leaders, McLaren, and Verstappen is sitting third in the Drivers’ standings.
To make things harder, Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s car designs, has already left. Mekies needs to keep Verstappen in the team, stabilize morale, and reignite Red Bull’s competitive edge before things spiral.
What’s Next for Red Bull?
With Laurent Mekies at the wheel, Red Bull is entering a bold and uncertain chapter. His mix of engineering know-how, leadership in top teams, and behind-the-scenes FIA experience makes him a smart pick. But now comes the real test: Can he bring Red Bull back to the top? Can he convince Verstappen to stay?
The F1 world is keeping a tight eye on him, and he is the center of attention. One thing’s for sure—Mekies isn’t just filling in. He’s here to lead Red Bull into its next era.
