Red Bull Racing has entered a new chapter in its history following the dramatic dismissal of longtime Team Principal Christian Horner. The team has chosen to move forward under the leadership of Laurent Mekies, who has officially been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer. This marks the beginning of a transitional phase for the reigning Formula 1 World Champions, as they navigate one of the most complex and sensitive periods in their recent history.
Until just a few days ago, Laurent Mekies served as the Team Principal of Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s Faenza-based sister team. Now, he steps into a much more demanding and high-profile position, one that places him at the helm of the entire Red Bull technical and sporting operation. The French engineer, who previously worked for Scuderia Ferrari and the FIA, inherits this crucial role amid internal unrest, persistent speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future, and the departure of several key figures, including legendary Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey.
Gerhard Berger: “I know Mekies well from Ferrari, Toro Rosso, and the FIA — he’s a quality person”
Former Formula 1 driver and former co-owner of Toro Rosso, Gerhard Berger, shared his thoughts on Mekies’ promotion during an interview with Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung. Berger, who claimed 10 Grand Prix victories in his career, has worked with Mekies in multiple roles over the years and offered a balanced assessment of his former colleague’s capabilities.
“I’ve worked with Laurent before — he was with me at Ferrari, at Toro Rosso, and also at the FIA. He’s a congenial person, very likeable, and has many qualities when it comes to leading people,” said Berger. His remarks suggest a strong level of respect for Mekies’ leadership style and background, but also hint at the magnitude of the challenge he now faces in leading one of Formula 1’s most successful teams.
A Red Bull Team in Transition: Internal Tensions and Regulation Changes on the Horizon
Laurent Mekies assumes his new role during a highly sensitive phase for Red Bull Racing. The 2026 Formula 1 season will usher in sweeping technical changes, particularly with the introduction of a new generation of hybrid power units. But even before then, Mekies must stabilize a team that has shown signs of internal fracture and inconsistent performance results throughout 2025.
Another major responsibility for Mekies will be managing Red Bull’s driver situation. Speculation regarding a potential departure of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen continues to grow, adding pressure to an already complex scenario. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda has yet to deliver consistently strong performances behind the wheel of the RB21, casting doubt on his long-term role within the Red Bull ecosystem.
“He has a good style and knows Formula 1 very well, having worked in several key roles,” Gerhard Berger continued. “Whether he also has the ‘killer instinct’ needed to lead a team of this magnitude from the top remains to be seen. But in my opinion, Mekies is a solid choice for Red Bull.”
Can Mekies Lead Red Bull Through Its Most Defining Transition Since the Horner Era?
The appointment of Laurent Mekies officially marks the end of a dominant 20-year era under Christian Horner’s leadership — a tenure that brought Red Bull Racing multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Now, the task of preserving Red Bull’s competitiveness and navigating the political and technical minefields of modern Formula 1 falls squarely on Mekies’ shoulders.
It remains to be seen whether Laurent Mekies possesses not just the technical know-how, but also the political acumen and ruthless decisiveness that are often required at the highest levels of Formula One management. One thing is certain: the new Red Bull era has begun, and Mekies must prove that he is the right leader to guide the team through this crucial turning point.
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