Who Is Laurent Mekies? Meet the Engineer Replacing Christian Horner as Red Bull Racing Team Principal

In a stunning development from the Formula One world, Laurent Mekies has been named the new CEO of Red Bull Racing, replacing long-serving team boss Christian Horner, who was dismissed after two decades in the role. Mekies, previously leading the Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), will now oversee Red Bull’s top-tier team.

So, who exactly is Laurent Mekies? Here’s everything you need to know about the seasoned engineer-turned-executive who’s stepping into one of the sport’s most high-pressure roles.

Who Is Laurent Mekies? Early Life and Education

Laurent Mekies was born on April 28, 1977, in Tours, France. His passion for engineering led him to pursue higher studies at the École Supérieure des Techniques Aéronautiques et de Construction Automobile (ESTACA) in Paris. He later earned a master’s degree from Loughborough University in the UK — a renowned institution for motorsport engineering.

A Career Rooted in Formula One

Laurent Mekies’ journey through Formula One is one of dedication, growth, and consistency:

• 2001: Mekies began his F1 career with the Arrows F1 team as a race engineer.

• 2002–2014: He moved to Minardi, which later became Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), and spent over a decade rising through the ranks.

• 2014–2018: Mekies joined the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) as a Safety Director, playing a key role in driver safety regulations.

• 2018–2023: He transitioned to Scuderia Ferrari as Sporting Director and later Deputy Team Principal, working closely with top drivers and senior engineers.

• 2024: Mekies took charge of the newly rebranded Racing Bulls (Visa Cash App RB), overseeing operations and team development.

Promoted to Red Bull Racing CEO (2025)

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Red Bull Racing confirmed the sacking of Christian Horner and immediately announced Laurent Mekies as the new CEO.

In a public statement, Red Bull said: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”

This move is considered a major shift in team leadership as Red Bull seeks to stabilize performance amid internal turbulence and disappointing race results.

Laurent Mekies Reacts to His Promotion

In his first remarks after the announcement, Mekies expressed gratitude and optimism: “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer]. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe this is just the beginning.”

He also endorsed Alan Permane, who will now lead Racing Bulls as Team Principal, saying: “Alan is the perfect man to take over now. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”

Why This Change Matters

The leadership change comes just days after a disappointing British Grand Prix, where Red Bull’s performance fell below expectations. With internal conflicts reportedly brewing since 2024 — including Christian Horner’s controversial conduct investigations — Mekies is stepping into the role at a crucial time.

He brings technical expertise, management experience, and a proven track record across different F1 teams and governing bodies.

Final Thoughts

Laurent Mekies may not be a household name like Christian Horner, but within F1 circles, he’s respected as a calm, analytical, and team-focused leader. His promotion to Red Bull Racing CEO marks a new chapter for the team as they aim to maintain their dominance in Formula One under new leadership.