From engineering student to F1 team boss, Laurant Mekies’ steady rise has led to the biggest challenge of his career – replacing Christian Horner at Red Bull Racing.
The 48-year-old Frenchman from Tours steps into one of Formula 1’s most high-pressure roles as the new team principal of the Milton Keynes-based outfit, following the shock dismissal of long-standing team boss Christian Horner on Wednesday.
His appointment marks the culmination of a two-decade-long career that has quietly shaped some of the sport’s key teams – often from behind the scenes.
From Academic Roots to F1’s Frontlines
Mekies developed a passion for motorsport early in life, setting his sights on a career in the fast-paced world of racing. He pursued mechanical engineering at the prestigious ESTACA School in Paris, spending his final year at Loughborough University in the UK to hone his skills.
This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his entry into motorsport, where he began as an engine engineer with Asiatech in Formula 3, before joining the F1 ranks with Arrows in 2001.
The following year, Mekies moved to Minardi, the modest Faenza-based team where he began what would become a long and defining relationship with the Italian squad.
Upon the team’s acquisition by Red Bull and rebranding as Toro Rosso, Mekies transitioned from race engineer to chief engineer, eventually becoming head of vehicle performance.
In that role, he oversaw six departments all focused on improving car speed and consistency, demonstrating a level of operational leadership that caught the eye of the wider F1 world.
From FIA Official to Ferrari Strategist
In 2014, Mekies pivoted away from team structures and joined the FIA as its Safety Director. There, he became responsible for medical and safety matters across all FIA championships. He added the role of Deputy Race Director in 2017, earning respect for his technical insight and crisis management.
But his return to the pit wall came in 2018, when Ferrari hired him as Sporting Director. Over the next few years, Mekies climbed the ladder in Maranello, becoming Head of Track and Performance Area and later Racing Director.
He was part of the Scuderia’s leadership team during a turbulent period that included both technical challenges and occasional podium glory, with Ferrari securing seven wins during his tenure.
The Road Back to Faenza
Still, Mekies was drawn back to the team where it all began. In 2024, he took over as Team Principal of the newly rebranded Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), succeeding longtime team boss Franz Tost.
Under his management, the squad underwent significant restructuring, welcoming Peter Bayer as CEO, Alan Permane as Racing Director, and Tim Goss as Chief Technical Officer.
Though Racing Bulls had a slow start to the 2024 season, signs of improvement emerged later in the year.
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer],” Mekies said on Wednesday following the announcement of his move to Milton Keynes.
“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.”
A New Chapter Begins at Red Bull
Mekies' leadership skills will now be tested at the very top level as he moves from Red Bull’s sister outfit to one of the most powerful roles in motorsport.
In a bittersweet twist, he will be reunited with Yuki Tsunoda, who transferred to Red Bull earlier in 2025 following a mid-season driver shuffle.
Read also: Horner sacked by Red Bull after 20 years as F1 team principal!As he begins his tenure with immediate effect, the F1 world will wathc closely to see how Mekies will shape Red Bull’s future and whether he can lead the team back to the top of the grid.
Whether he can steady the ship and usher in a new era of dominance will soon become clear. But one thing is certain: few are better prepared for the challenge.
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