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Laurent Mekies transforms Red Bull’s future: Ford’s bold new era in Formula 1 begins

Redação by Redação
January 29, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Laurent Mekies transforms Red Bull’s future: Ford’s bold new era in Formula 1 begins

MONTMELO, SPAIN - JANUARY 26: Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Ben Waterhouse, Head of Performance Engineering of Oracle Red Bull Racing look on in the Pitlane during day one of F1 Shakedown at Circuit de Catalunya on January 26, 2026 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images // SI202601260502 // Usage for editorial use only //

Title: Ford’s Bold Bet on Laurent Mekies: The New Force Driving Red Bull’s F1 Revolution

In a stunning shift within the world of Formula 1, Ford Performance Director Mark Rushbrook has placed his unwavering confidence in Laurent Mekies, a key figure steering the Red Bull Racing team towards a groundbreaking new era. The alliance between Red Bull and Ford is not just a partnership; it’s a strategic maneuver that could redefine the future of motorsport as we know it.

Last year marked a seismic change at Red Bull Racing when the long-serving Christian Horner was ousted from his position. Enter Laurent Mekies, the French engineer who previously led the operations at Racing Bulls, took the helm as CEO and Team Principal. His ascension came at a pivotal moment, just as the team was ready to roar back from a dismal season. With Mekies at the wheel, the beleaguered RB21 transformed into a formidable contender, clinching six victories in the last ten races of 2025, all thanks to the extraordinary talent of Max Verstappen.

As the motorsport world braces itself for the monumental 2026 regulations overhaul, Red Bull is poised to maintain its status as a dominant force in F1. The team is ready to shift gears, becoming a fully-fledged works outfit for the first time under the new engine formula. This dramatic pivot is made even more electrifying with the announcement of their partnership with Ford, which aims to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in Formula 1 with the launch of the DM-01 engine, named in honor of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

Promising early tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, including a shakedown run at Imola, have shown encouraging results for the new power unit, with both Isack Hadjar and Verstappen topping unofficial timing sheets. The stakes are high, and Mekies is determined to ensure Red Bull hits the ground running as they embark on this thrilling new chapter.

The engineering expertise that Mekies brings to the table has not gone unnoticed. Former Red Bull Team Advisor Helmut Marko has credited him as the mastermind behind the team’s late-season resurgence. Marko emphasized Mekies’ profound technical knowledge and how it has revolutionized the dynamics within the Red Bull garage. “Laurent is an excellent engineer,” Marko stated, accentuating the synergy between simulation data and the invaluable experience of Verstappen and the racing engineers.

Rushbrook echoed this sentiment, asserting that Mekies’ engineering background is crucial for aligning his leadership with the competitive demands of F1. “He has a better understanding of what it ultimately takes to deliver the car,” Rushbrook asserted, highlighting Mekies’ role in supporting his team when they need guidance or project approval.

While the previous leadership under Horner faced a storm of controversies—including a scandal involving allegations of inappropriate behavior—Rushbrook believes Horner deserves recognition for laying the groundwork of the Ford-Red Bull partnership. “He deserves a lot of respect for what he built in the Red Bull team over 20 years,” Rushbrook said, acknowledging Horner’s instrumental role in forging the OEM engine partnership with Ford.

Mekies’ rapid ascent within the ranks of F1 is a testament to his capabilities. Transitioning from Ferrari’s Sporting Director to AlphaTauri’s Team Principal in just a few short years, Mekies has now secured one of the most prestigious positions in the sport. Rushbrook’s confidence in Mekies is palpable, as he believes the Frenchman’s leadership will be pivotal in driving Red Bull and Ford’s operations into this new era of F1 excellence.

With Max Verstappen still firmly in the Red Bull camp, the team is armed with an elite driver prepared to capitalize on every advantage Mekies and Ford provide. The coming seasons promise to be nothing short of exhilarating as Red Bull, under Mekies’ guidance, aims to reclaim its rightful place at the top of the F1 hierarchy. The world will be watching closely as this bold new chapter unfolds, and the stakes have never been higher.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonlaurent-mekiesmax-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racing
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