MILTON KEYNES — Laurent Mekies has extended his contract as team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing through to the end of 2031, securing at least six seasons at the helm after succeeding Christian Horner in July 2025. The new deal keeps the 49-year-old Frenchman in charge of the Austrian outfit after he ended Horner’s 20-year tenure when he arrived from sister squad Racing Bulls.
Mekies took charge of Racing Bulls at the start of the 2024 campaign following six years at Ferrari — first as sporting director and then racing director — and said he was proud to continue the project. “I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing,” Mekies said. “I would like to thank Chalerm [Yoovidhya, shareholder], Mark [Mateschitz, shareholder], and Oliver [Mintzlaff, CEO], the entire team and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project.”
He pointed to the collective spirit within the team and the central role of the technical leadership in shaping the next chapter. “What makes this team special is the way everyone comes together in pursuit of the same goal, and I feel privileged to work alongside such a talented and committed group every day,” he said. “Together, with Pierre Wache’s and Ben Hodgkinson’s teams playing a central role in shaping our future, we have a strong platform for the years ahead.” Chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff added: “Laurent has demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family. He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes our team successful.”
The announcement comes as Red Bull have responded to a slow start to the 2026 regulation change with continuous car upgrades and a late resurgence. World champion Max Verstappen has won the last two grands prix — in Malaysia and Singapore — from pole, leaving Red Bull only seven points behind third-placed McLaren with six rounds left. Verstappen tied his own future to the team in August by signing a new deal through to the end of 2030, extending his previous contract that had been due to expire in 2028, and will be partnered by impressive sophomore Isack Hadjar from 2027 after his confirmation last month. The extension closes the chapter opened when Mekies replaced Horner, who recently reflected on Christian Horner says perceived influence led to Red Bull exit.