Laurent Mekies signed a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull, securing his future at the team until 2031. The Milton Keynes-based outfit announced the extension on Wednesday, October 14. The announcement comes just days after Red Bull secured their first victory with the RBPT.
Laurent Mekies joined Red Bull in July 2025 as Christian Horner was sacked by the team. Formerly the Racing Bulls Team Principal, Mekies was promoted to lead the senior team. During a period when Red Bull struggled at the start of the season, losing ground to McLaren, Mekies led the team to a strong finish.
Max Verstappen almost overcame a 100+ point deficit to take the 2025 title. The start of the 2026 season with the new regulations was also subpar. Red Bull was the third- to fourth-fastest team.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit is now arguably on par with Mercedes, and won the last couple of races. Amid this, Red Bull came out and announced that Laurent Mekies has signed an extension with the team. He will continue until 2031 as the Team Principal and CEO.
Speaking about the extension, Mekies said,
“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm, Mark, and Oliver, the entire team, and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project. What makes this team special is the way everyone comes together in pursuit of the same goal, and I feel privileged to work alongside such a talented and committed group every day.”
“Together, with Pierre Wache’s and Ben Hodgkinson’s teams playing a central role in shaping our future, we have a strong platform for the years ahead, and we genuinely believe this is only the beginning,” he added.
Red Bull CEO hails Laurent Mekies’ leadership amid the contract extension
Red Bull GmbH CEO Oliver Mintzlaff reportedly played a key role in Christian Horner’s departure from the F1 team. As Laurent Mekies signed the multi-year contract extension, Mintzlaff came out and hailed the French engineer.
“Laurent has demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family. He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes our Team successful. Just as importantly, he embodies the values and mentality that define the Red Bull way: courage, teamwork, determination, and an unrelenting desire to compete at the highest level.”
“Continuity in leadership is a key ingredient for sustained success, and we are delighted that Laurent will continue to lead the Team through the next chapter of our journey.”
With the key pillars of Red Bull parting from the team in the form of Helmut Marko, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, Laurent Mekies is set to look after the future of the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
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