Laurent Mekies Drops a Bombshell: “I Would Have Loved to Stay at Ferrari!”
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Laurent Mekies, the current team principal of Red Bull Racing, has openly expressed his bittersweet sentiments regarding his departure from Ferrari—a team he describes as a “beautiful experience.” Mekies, who has carved out a remarkable career within the high-octane world of motorsport, reflected on the decision that ultimately changed the trajectory of his professional life.
Having made his entry into Formula 1 in the early 2000s as an engineer with Arrows, followed by stints at Minardi and Toro Rosso, Mekies has witnessed the evolution of the sport first-hand. His move to the FIA in 2014 marked a turning point, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing safety measures, famously advocating for the introduction of the Halo device. In 2018, he took on the role of sporting director at Ferrari under Mattia Binotto, where he quickly established himself as a key player within the legendary Scuderia.
However, the winds of change began to blow when Frederic Vasseur took the reins at Ferrari, leaving Mekies in a precarious position. In July 2023, he seized the opportunity to join Red Bull Racing as team principal, a position he deemed “a train I couldn’t afford to miss.” His transition to the Racing Bulls has been nothing short of spectacular, especially following the dismissal of Christian Horner, which opened the door for Mekies to step into a leadership role at one of the sport’s most dominant teams.
In an exclusive interview with Corriere della Sera during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, Mekies candidly discussed his feelings about leaving Maranello. “There was a strong bond with Fred, and it would have been nice to stay,” he admitted, showcasing the emotional ties he formed at Ferrari. Yet, the allure of leading a championship-contending team was irresistible.
Today, Mekies has found his stride at Red Bull, forging an impressive rapport with superstar driver Max Verstappen, who consistently praises Mekies in interviews. As the new season looms, Mekies is acutely aware of the challenges that await. “We’ve lost time on the 2026 development,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the uphill battle his team faces. “It would be naive to say otherwise.”
As the Formula 1 landscape shifts and evolves, Mekies’ reflections provide a captivating glimpse into the complex dynamics of team loyalty, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success in one of the world’s most thrilling sports. The stage is set for an electrifying new chapter, and fans will be watching closely to see if Mekies can lead Red Bull to even greater heights.
