Red Bull Racing Appoints Laurent Mekies as New Team Principal Following Horner’s Dismissal
In a significant shift within Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies has been named the new team principal, replacing Christian Horner, who was dismissed after a 20-year tenure marked by six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships. Mekies, who previously served in various roles including Sporting Director, expressed his admiration for Horner’s accomplishments during a press conference at Silverstone.
“This feels unreal,” Mekies said regarding Horner’s absence. “Christian’s leadership has transformed this team, and it’s impossible to overstate his achievements over the past two decades.”
The shake-up comes amid performance declines, management discord, and uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of star driver Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Mekies acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly as the team prepares for a major technical overhaul driven by the 2026 regulations.
Mekies emphasized his intent to leverage the existing talent within the organization, stating, “We want to ensure every team member has what they need to perform at their best.” He underlined the importance of maintaining the competitive edge that has defined Red Bull’s success.
As Red Bull transitions to being a full works team, this leadership change coincides with the introduction of their own power unit. Mekies remarked, “This is going to be an incredible challenge, but our focus remains clear: to keep the Red Bull energy flowing through our team.”
Mekies plans to spend the upcoming weeks engaging with team members to foster understanding and support within the organization. The motorsport community is keenly observing how this transition will affect Red Bull’s performance trajectory ahead of the impending regulatory changes.
