Title: The Red Bull Revolution: Laurent Mekies’ Audacious Overhaul After Christian Horner’s Departure
In a stunning shake-up that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Laurent Mekies has stepped into the colossal shoes of Christian Horner, who was unceremoniously ousted after two decades at the helm of Red Bull Racing. The transition has been anything but smooth, with Mekies revealing that he faced a monumental task of reorienting the mindset of the team to reclaim its former glory just as the F1 2025 season reached a critical juncture.
Promoted to CEO and team principal after the British Grand Prix, Mekies arrived at a pivotal moment for the Milton Keynes-based squad. The challenge was not only to maintain momentum but to instigate a “complete reset” in the team’s approach following Horner’s long-standing leadership. Mekies, who previously led the sister team Racing Bulls, has described his new role as a “mental reset” — a necessity for adapting to the high-pressure environment and expectations at Red Bull.
Mekies’ journey into the upper echelons of Red Bull comes on the heels of a six-month gardening leave following his tenure as sporting director at Ferrari. His promotion caught many by surprise, given his prior success with Racing Bulls alongside CEO Peter Bayer. Yet, the immediate question loomed: could Mekies steer Red Bull back to championship contention?
As the season progressed, Red Bull saw an uptick in performance, although it’s crucial to note that the upgrades to the car were approved under Horner’s administration. By the season’s end, despite Max Verstappen’s valiant efforts, the team fell just short of the title, losing by a mere two points to McLaren’s Lando Norris. This dramatic turn of events highlighted the potential within the RB21 chassis, yet Mekies acknowledged the earlier difficulties in maximizing its performance.
In an exclusive reflection on his new role, Mekies emphasized the need for a radical shift in thinking. “You really have to make a conscious effort not to refer back to Racing Bulls because of how different the projects were,” he stated. Acknowledging the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the team’s support, noting their “extremely welcoming” nature as they navigated this turbulent period together.
With an unwavering focus on racing purity, Mekies has consistently downplayed his impact on the team’s recent performance, attributing success to the collective efforts of the dedicated crew. “I still mean it! I think it’s an outstanding group that never gives up,” he affirmed. Mekies has made it clear that his primary role is to foster an environment conducive to innovative problem-solving, insisting that the team’s dynamic is rooted in a shared passion for improving the car’s performance.
As Red Bull gears up for the 2026 season, Mekies has openly discussed the necessity of understanding the RB21 project better, hinting at a potential strategic sacrifice in the initial lap time of the upcoming RB22 car to ensure long-term success. “We didn’t want to go down that route of wishful thinking,” he declared, emphasizing the team’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of their current tools and methodologies.
The palpable energy within the team, as Mekies noted, has solidified their bond and resolve. “It’s a group that ultimately has achieved an unbelievable season. It’s certainly put the group even more compact, even tighter together,” he observed. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the car’s performance against rivals, Mekies remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
As the Formula 1 world watches closely, the stakes have never been higher for Red Bull Racing under Laurent Mekies. Will this radical overhaul and mental reset translate into championship glory? The motorsport community is on the edge of its seat, eager to witness the unfolding drama as Mekies leads the charge into an exhilarating new era for Red Bull.









