Laurent Mekies Acknowledges Major Challenges Ahead as He Begins Tenure as Red Bull Team Principal.
Laurent Mekies officially began his new role as Red Bull Racing’s team principal on Thursday, stepping into the spotlight just one day after Christian Horner’s sudden departure ended a 20-year leadership era. Mekies, a seasoned veteran in Formula One, inherits the responsibility of steering the team through one of the most turbulent and competitive periods in recent history.
Red Bull released a short video interview from Silverstone, where the team was participating in a filming day with their current RB21 car. The footage showed Mekies engaging warmly with Red Bull staff, shaking hands, and familiarizing himself with his new environment — a gesture that signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the once-dominant racing outfit.
Horner’s exit on Wednesday came as a shock to many within the paddock and the broader motorsport community. During his two-decade tenure, Horner led Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, helping to establish the team as one of the sport’s most formidable forces. Now, it falls to Mekies to continue that legacy — or rebuild it.
In a Q\&A session facilitated by Red Bull’s press office, Mekies expressed both his admiration for the team and awareness of the tough road ahead.
“I still see this team the way most people outside do — as the very best in the world at what they do,” Mekies said. “It’s a privilege to be here, but I also know we’re facing huge challenges. The focus will be on making sure all the brilliant people here are supported to perform at their highest level.”
He emphasized that the team is bracing for perhaps the most dramatic shift in Formula One regulations in its history. These changes, slated for 2026, will see Red Bull debut its own in-house power unit, placing it in direct technical competition with established engine manufacturers like Mercedes, Honda, and Ferrari. Mekies acknowledged that adapting to the new powertrain rules will require intense teamwork and innovation.
“Formula One is heading into uncharted territory in terms of regulation,” Mekies continued. “To come out on top, we’ll need to work together like never before.”
While Mekies praised Red Bull’s technical prowess and personnel, the team’s on-track performance in 2025 tells a different story. After 12 races, Red Bull sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, having won only two races. Their star driver, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, is trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a substantial 69 points in the Drivers’ standings.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull also remains uncertain despite his contract running through 2028. Rumors have circulated that both Mercedes and Aston Martin are exploring ways to lure the Dutch driver away. This uncertainty only adds to Mekies’ already daunting task of stabilizing and revitalizing the team.
Mekies, 48, brings a broad and diverse resume to the role. He began his F1 career in 2001 with the now-defunct Arrows team, where Jos Verstappen — Max’s father — was one of the drivers. He later worked with Minardi, which evolved into Toro Rosso under Red Bull ownership and is now Racing Bulls. Mekies also held senior regulatory positions at the FIA, including Safety Director and Deputy Race Director.
Most recently, Mekies spent time with Ferrari, first as Sporting Director and then Deputy Team Principal, before returning to Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls as principal in 2024. His familiarity with both technical and regulatory aspects of the sport is expected to serve him well as he transitions into this high-pressure role.
Meanwhile, the Formula One world is still digesting the impact of Christian Horner’s abrupt departure. Reports suggest Horner was contracted through 2030, and his exit has triggered speculation about his next move — or whether he even has one planned.
F1’s long-time commercial architect, Bernie Ecclestone, told Reuters that Horner personally informed him of his departure and that he was caught off guard by the news. Ecclestone also hinted that Horner may be headed for an extended period of gardening leave — a common practice in Formula One where departing personnel are paid to sit out a contractual term before joining a rival.
“What he’s going to do with the rest of his life — difficult to know,” Ecclestone said. “I very much doubt he even knows what he’s going to do next.”
As Mekies steps into one of the most scrutinized roles in motorsport, all eyes will be on whether he can navigate Red Bull through regulatory changes, internal shifts, and mounting external pressure to return to the front of the grid.
