Laurent Mekies appointed as new Red Bull Formula 1 team boss

Laurent Mekies officially takes over as Red Bull Formula 1 team principal — marking a new era after two decades of Christian Horner’s leadership that abruptly ended today.

The aerodynamics engineer born in Tours, France — has built a solid career in various strategic positions in motorsport. His journey began with the Arrows team, continued to Minardi as a race engineer, and progressed to chief engineer at Toro Rosso.

His experience expanded further when joining FIA as safety director and deputy race director — where he played a crucial role in developing the halo system for formula cars. Subsequently, he spent five years with Ferrari before leading Racing Bulls early last year.

“He has a very, very good understanding of the business, having started as an engineer and then worked at the FIA,” said Frederic Vasseur when Mekies left Ferrari.

The biggest challenge now awaits Mekies at Red Bull — a team currently building a new wind tunnel, developing power units with Ford, and recently facing internal turmoil affecting Max Verstappen’s future.