Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new Red Bull team principal and CEO following the sudden departure of Christian Horner after more than 20 years at the helm.
The unexpected leadership shake-up marks only the second time in the team’s history that a new figure has taken charge of the Milton Keynes-based Formula 1 outfit, signaling a new era for one of the sport’s most successful teams.
Christian Horner’s tenure at Red Bull began in 2005 when the team entered Formula 1 as a full constructor.
Over two decades, Horner played a pivotal role in transforming Red Bull from midfield contenders into a dominant force, overseeing an era that included eight drivers’ championships—four with Sebastian Vettel and four with Max Verstappen—and six constructors’ titles.
His leadership was instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most competitive and attractive teams on the grid.
However, recent seasons have seen a downturn in performance, with Red Bull struggling to keep pace with rivals such as McLaren. The team currently finds itself fourth in the constructors’ championship, with Verstappen trailing the championship leader by a substantial margin.
These challenges, alongside off-track controversies and internal pressures, culminated in the decision to relieve Horner of his operational duties effective immediately on July 9, 2025.
Laurent Mekies steps into the crucial role with a wealth of experience in Formula 1. A French engineer by training, he graduated from Loughborough University and holds a master’s degree from the École supérieure des techniques aéronautiques et de construction automobile (ESTACA) in Paris.
Mekies’ F1 career began in 2000, progressing through roles at Arrows and Minardi, where he worked as a race engineer.
The 48-year old was promoted to chief engineer when Minardi became Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s sister team. He later served as FIA safety director and deputy race director before joining Scuderia Ferrari as sporting director and eventually deputy team principal and racing director.
In 2024, Mekies took charge of Red Bull’s satellite team Racing Bulls, leading its development and competitive efforts.
Mekies’ promotion to Red Bull’s top leadership position comes amid a challenging period for the team. His recent tenure at Racing Bulls has been marked by strong team spirit and promising progress, which he described as “an amazing adventure” and “just the beginning.”
“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer],” he said on his appointment.
“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.”
Alan Permane becomes new Racing Bulls team principal
Mekies also highlighted the appointment of Alan Permane, a seasoned F1 veteran, as the new Racing Bulls team principal.
He added: “Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early success.”
Alan Permane who has been a key figure in the team’s early successes will now continue to guide the satellite team forward.
Permane joined the team as the sporting director in July 2023 after spending 24 years at Renault operation through its various guises as Benetton and Alpine before being sacked.
“I feel very honoured to take on the role as team principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trust they have shown in me,” Permane said.
“I am looking forward to working with Peter [Bayer, CEO] to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.
“This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”
The decision to appoint Mekies as the new Red Bull team principal and CEO reflects the company’s desire to inject fresh leadership and strategic direction into the main team.
The Frenchman inherits the responsibility of restoring Red Bull’s competitive edge and managing the future trajectory of the squad, especially as the 2025 F1 season unfolds with intensified competition.
