Freshly appointed Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has described his first day at the helm of the Milton Keynes-based outfit as an “unreal” moment, acknowledging both the weight of the moment and the legacy of his predecessor, Christian Horner.
Mekies officially began his tenure on Thursday during a filming day with Red Bull’s 2025 challenger at Silverstone, just a day after news broke that Horner had been dismissed from his role with immediate effect.
The Briton’s departure ends a 20-year stint that defined an era of dominance, during which Red Bull secured six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships.
Reflecting on the magnitude of Horner’s influence, Mekies did not shy away from the significance of the change.
Paying Tribute to Horner
“It still feels a bit unreal to be here and not to see him,” Mekies said. “It would be impossible to underestimate the size of the achievement that this team has had under 20 years of Christian's leadership.
“I met him 20 years ago when he was the youngest team principal in Formula 1 and it's unbelievable to see how he has turned this place to the level at which it is now, and on that journey, the many, many titles and wins.
©RedBull
“Christian is also the guy that, together with Helmut [Marko] and Oliver [Mintzlaff], brought me back into the Red Bull family two years ago. And my first thoughts are really for him today.”
Horner’s exit has come amid Red Bull’s faltering on-track performance, internal power struggles, and questions surrounding Max Verstappen’s long-term future with the team.
For Mekies, however, the immediate task is not looking back, but ensuring the team is primed for the massive transition looming on the horizon.
Eyes Forward: Supporting the Best in the Business
With sweeping 2026 regulation changes approaching – and Red Bull set to become a full works team with its own Red Bull Powertrains engine – Mekies is keenly aware of the stakes and the strengths within the team.
"I still look at these guys as most people outside of the team look at them,” he said. “We look at you guys and we see the very best people in the world at what they do. That's what this team is.
“Even from being competitors previously, we look at you guys as being the sharpest team, having managed to accumulate the biggest amount of talents together and it's a privilege to join the team.
“The focus will really be at making sure that all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they are already the very best. And we'll be focusing on that, focusing on making sure that the Red Bull energy is flowing through the team."
Read also: Chandhok tips possible F1 destination for Horner after Red Bull exit
Mekies is no stranger to top-level competition, having previously served at Ferrari and the FIA, and he brings a collaborative mindset as he begins his leadership at Red Bull.
"We are not underestimating the challenge ahead. Formula 1 is going to face probably the biggest change of regulations in its history,e he added.
“And it has a very particular taste for Red Bull as we go with our own power unit. So it's going to be an incredible challenge.
"The next few weeks will be dedicated to trying to meet as many of our people as possible, to listen to them, to try to understand this beautiful magic machine that is Red Bull Formula 1 and eventually find ways to contribute and to support."
While the Mekies era begins in the shadow of one of F1’s most successful team bosses, the Frenchman is stepping in with humility, admiration, and an unwavering focus on empowering the people who have made Red Bull a force to be reckoned with.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
‘Unreal moment’: Mekies takes Red Bull helm with talent-first focus F1i.com.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Unreal moment’: Mekies takes Red Bull helm with talent-first focus )
Also on site :
- Horner could seek massive £50m Red Bull compensation deal
- "Bagundi ra mama" - Shubman Gill cheers in Telugu for Nitish Kumar Reddy while bowling on Day 1 of 3rd ENG vs IND 2025 Test [Watch]
- Ex-Liverpool star makes FC United of Manchester transfer after stabbing derailed career