Who is Laurent Mekies? All about the French engineer replacing Christian Horner at Red Bull

Red Bull Racing has confirmed a huge shake-up in personnel, with the the outfit appointing Frenchman Laurent Mekies as their new CEO, replacing team principal & CEO Christian Horner.

The news, announced on July 9, 2025, starts a new era for the Formula 1 giants after Horner’s 20 years on duty.

Laurent Mekies, born April 28, 1977, in Tours, France, has a strong academic and technical foundation. According to The Sun, he has a degree in mechanical engineering from ESTACA in Paris and a Master’s degree from Loughborough University in the UK.

 

 

 

 

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His academic background served as a launching pad for a career that has seen Mekies occupy key positions at some of the finest Formula 1 teams.

In 2024, Mekies was appointed Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) new team principal, replacing Red Bull’s sister team. During his tenure, Racing Bulls saw a lot of changes and developments. Now, he replaces Christian Horner, whose surprise exit from the team after 20 years left a void. Horner took the team to six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ championships.

Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, thanked Horner for his “tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking” and welcomed Laurent Mekies as the new man to lead Red Bull Racing into the future.

"He has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1... Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history." Oliver Mintzlaff added in a statement.

A look into Laurent Mekies' early career and his history with Red Bull

Mekies' journey in Formula 1 started in 2001, when he joined Arrows as a race engineer. He joined Minardi in 2002, and he further developed his knowledge. Minardi was bought by Red Bull and became Toro Rosso, where Mekies became a key member of the engineering establishment.

In 2014, he departed Toro Rosso to join the FIA, working alongside former FIA president Jean Todt as a safety director responsible for safety in grand prix racing and car design (The Sun).

Laurent Mekies became the race director of Scuderia Ferrari in 2018, a position he held until 2023. He was a featured player on the team’s revival effort during his time and had contributed to some of the race wins. In mid-2023, Ferrari formally parted company with Mekies.

Laurent Mekies: "The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people." pic.twitter.com/Bp744Qj4ID

— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) July 9, 2025

Commenting on the move and his stint at Racing Bulls, Mekies expressed his gratitude. He also spoke highly about Alan Permane, the man who will step up as team principal at Racing Bulls.

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO].... The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning... Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. Mekies said.

Despite fans' mixed reactions, critics believe that Laurent Mekies’ experience within the F1 paddock in both engineering and management makes him a good fit for Red Bull as they continue to fight for supremacy in a cut-throat and complex sport.