After the dismissal of Christian Horner, Laurent Mekies faces the task of leading Red Bull Racing. Although the context and timing are very different, his promotion fits a wider trend in Formula 1. Mekies comes from an engineering background, unlike Horner, who led the team for the past 20 years. It reflects the broader shift in Formula 1 where engineers are increasingly stepping into team principal roles – including Andrea Stella at McLaren, James Vowles at Williams and Ayao Komatsu at Haas.
While those examples have so far proven successful, the situation at Red Bull is very different. No miracles should be expected from Mekies in his first months, as Red Bull’s problems go far beyond the team boss role. The car remains the biggest issue for Max Verstappen – and aside from updates in both Spa and Budapest, it will largely remain the same for the remainder of this year. For 2026, much will depend on the in-house engine project, making Mekies’ task one for the long haul: building toward a third era of success for the team, just as Horner himself explained during his final FIA press conference as Red Bull boss.
Engineering knowledge and communication with drivers
That said, Mekies is widely appreciated by drivers who have worked with him, including Carlos Sainz: “I think, he is an extremely good professional. My time in Ferrari when he was there, I found someone that was incredibly hardworking. He understood the driver very well. He had a special feeling and a special communication with drivers, which I think makes things for the driver very comfortable and very open.”
In that regard, his engineering background is an asset. Mekies is well-known in the paddock for understanding drivers and especially for translating their feedback to the engineering side of the team – a crucial skill in modern F1. Yuki Tsunoda has confirmed this as well: “I think so, yeah, I agree. At the same time I wouldn’t say that Christian didn’t know anything. He knows a lot about cars and he still gets a lot of feedback from drivers. But yeah, definitely, Laurent used to be an engineer, so that’s one of his strengths.”
The Japanese driver draws from his experience at Racing Bulls: “He was consistently trying to understand what the current limitation was after every single session. He was directly contacting the areas of the team, some parts that we got directly from the team members. That very reactiveness and also getting specific feedback, and understanding it from his engineering side, that was pretty strong. I’m sure that he will do the same here and I’m sure he will do well.”
Verstappen: Mekies’ experience in different organisations could help
While Tsunoda heard the news from Helmut Marko, Verstappen was informed directly by the shareholders – conversations that included the long-term vision of the team as well. The Dutchman has spent considerable time at the Milton Keynes factory over the past weeks, where he combined his regular simulator work with conversations with the new boss.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“Of course I already had quite a few meetings with Laurent as well. The last two weeks have been quite intense for him to jump in,” Verstappen said, and when asked what was discussed during those meetings he added: “We’ll keep that between ourselves, of course, but he’s incredibly motivated and I like that. You can see the fire. Of course, it’s new in the role, but it’s exciting.”
As for the actual impact, Verstappen remains measured: “Time will tell.” But in response to a question posed by Motorsport.com, the world champion did indicate that his first impression is a good one. “It’s been good. I like Laurent. He’s a very nice guy, first of all, very clever guy. He’s been in different areas of the F1 paddock as well. And I think that can be helpful.”
With that final remark, Verstappen touches on an important point: Mekies has a well-rounded resume. At Ferrari, he gained experience inside another top team; his time at the FIA gave more than useful insights into the regulatory side of F1; and his recent work with Red Bull’s sister team helped to familiarise himself within Red Bull.
This range of experience is also seen as a major strength by Sainz: “Since his time in the FIA, then Ferrari, Racing Bulls, and now coming into Red Bull – he has plenty of experience to lead one of the biggest teams in Formula 1. I think he’s honestly the perfect fit for that team. So, congrats to him – probably he deserves that upgrade or that step up. I think he’s going to enjoy it.”
A much bigger job than before – patience the key to long-term success?
While Mekies’ engineering background, praised communication with drivers, and wide-ranging experience can potentially work in his favour, there’s no denying that running Red Bull is by far the biggest challenge of his career to date.
His responsibilities extend well beyond the racetrack – particularly with Red Bull also deeply involved in its in-house engine project. Helmut Marko has already indicated that Red Bull tries to limit Mekies’ responsibilities compared to Horner – which was one of the issues in recent times – but the engine project directly affects the on-track performance in 2026, and by extension the team that Mekies is now responsible for.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
On top of that, running a top team involves a great deal more pressure and politics – both internally and in dealings with the FIA and rival teams. These were areas where Horner was extremely experienced in, as reflected in his ongoing rivalry and political games with Toto Wolff.
In an interview with Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, Marko, has confirmed Mekies is “more focused on racing” and “not as involved in other departments. It’s essential that the scope of responsibilities for him as team principal has been reduced compared to Horner.”
“The situation in Formula 1 is becoming more like football: if it doesn’t work, the coach has to go,” Marko added, in reference to Horner’s departure. “The transition went very smoothly.
“Laurent is a good judge of character; he reaches out to people, and that will hopefully have a positive effect,” Marko also downplayed media reports suggesting widespread discontent in Milton Keynes over Horner’s exit, saying simply: “We’re not aware of any such thing.”
With Mekies, Red Bull is opting for a different style of leadership: a new direction, as Verstappen himself put it on Thursday. It’s a shift that fits a broader trend, but even Verstappen understands that change won’t happen overnight. “I cannot say right now, within two weeks of not even action on track, that suddenly everything is different or better. But we are trying to be better and we are trying to work on that.”
Mekies already made some minor changes to the simulator, but bigger improvements will take time – meaning Mekies needs to be given that time as well. There’s always pressure in F1, especially at the top, but Red Bull’s current situation is simply not a quick fix. Patience is needed, also with the new boss.
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