Red Bull locks in Mekies as team principal and CEO through 2031

Red Bull has announced a five-year contract extension for team principal and CEO Laurent Mekies that will keep him in charge of the team through 2031.

Mekies was promoted from Racing Bulls in 2025, replacing Christian Horner with immediate effect after the long-serving team principal was relieved of his duties last July. After overseeing a dramatic turnaround that saw Max Verstappen fall just short of winning a fifth consecutive drivers’ title last year, Mekies (pictured at left, above, with Verstappen) has guided Red Bull to back-to-back victories in Malaysia and Singapore as the team continues to challenge at the sharp end in its first season as a power unit manufacturer.

The confirmation of a new contract for the Frenchman comes after Verstappen signed a new long-term deal in the summer, and Isack Hadjar was also confirmed for 2027 last month. Mekies’ extension was announced by Red Bull shareholder Mark Mateschitz during a debrief of the recent victories at the team’s factory in Milton Keynes.

“The strength of Red Bull has always come from its people and from creating an environment where talented individuals can achieve extraordinary things together,” Mateschitz and fellow shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya are quoted as saying. “Laurent has played a crucial role in guiding the team through an important period of transition while maintaining the competitive spirit and the Red Bull principles that define us. This extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our shared belief in the long-term vision of the team. We are ambitious about what lies ahead and we are committed to building on this momentum together.”

Mekies is only Red Bull’s second team principal after Horner, and was promoted having served as Racing Bulls team principal since the start of 2024. After last year’s changes, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff says ensuring stability in the top positions will provide the foundations for Red Bull to chase ongoing success.

“Laurent has demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family,” Mintzlaff said. “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.”

Mekies often deflects praise to the team around him, and after the announcement of his extension he paid tribute to the technical and power unit leaders for the strong performance shown at the start of new regulations.

“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,” Mekies said. “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 [technical director] and Ben Hodgkinson’s [Red Bull Powertrains director] 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. As we look ahead, we will continue to embrace the principles that define us: being free in our thinking, fast in our actions and bold in our decisions.”