Red Bull Racing: Laurent Mekies to remain team principal until the end of 2031

Multi-year contract extension for Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies: This was announced on 14 October by Red Bull shareholder Mark Mateschitz during a team meeting at the racing car factory headquarters in Milton Keynes, shortly after Max Verstappen’s victories at the Bahrain, Malaysian and Singapore Grands Prix.

The agreement follows the recent contract extensions for Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, as well as the recruitment of key personnel for the 2027 season, further strengthening the team’s long-term platform for success.

Red Bull shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz said in a statement from the team: “Red Bull’s strength has always come from its people and from creating an environment in which talented individuals can achieve extraordinary things together.”

“Laurent has played a crucial role in guiding the team through an important transitional phase, whilst upholding the competitive spirit and Red Bull principles that define us. This contract extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our shared belief in the team’s long-term vision. We are ambitious about what lies ahead, and we are determined to build on this momentum together.”

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, adds: “Laurent has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities since his return to the Red Bull family. He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of what makes our team successful.”

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“Equally important is that he embodies the values and mindset that define the Red Bull way: courage, teamwork, determination and a tireless desire to compete at the highest level. Continuity in leadership is a crucial element of sustainable success, and we are delighted that Laurent will be leading the team through the next chapter of our journey.”

Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing: “I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm, Mark and Oliver, the entire team and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project.”

“What makes this team so special is the way everyone comes together to pursue the same goal, and I feel privileged to work with such a talented and dedicated group every day. Together, with the teams led by Pierre Waché and Ben Hodgkinson, who play a central role in shaping our future, we have a strong foundation for the years ahead, and we sincerely believe that this is just the beginning. As we look to the future, we will continue to embrace the principles that define us: free in our thinking, swift in our actions and bold in our decisions.”

With more than 20 years’ experience in Formula 1, Laurent Mekies has held senior leadership roles at Minardi, Toro Rosso, the FIA and Ferrari before returning to the Red Bull family in 2024 as Team Principal of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. He was appointed CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing in July 2025.

Under Laurent’s leadership, the team achieved a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the 2025 season, with Max Verstappen ultimately missing out on the Drivers’ Championship to Lando Norris by just two points.

In 2026, Oracle Red Bull Racing entered a new era as the team competed with its own power unit for the first time. The breakthrough came in Malaysia with the team’s first victory of the season, followed by a dominant weekend in Singapore, where Oracle Red Bull Racing secured victory in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.