Mekies signs Red Bull contract extension to lead team through 2031

Laurent Mekies has signed a contract extension as Red Bull Racing team principal, tying him to the Austrian outfit until the end of 2031 — a deal that cements his position as the long-term successor to Christian Horner, whose 20-year tenure ended when Mekies arrived in July 2025.

The 49-year-old Frenchman joined Red Bull from sister team Racing Bulls, where he had served as team principal since the start of the 2024 season. Before that, Mekies spent six years at Ferrari in roles as sporting director and then racing director.

“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing,” Mekies said. “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. 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.”

The announcement arrives at a timely moment for Red Bull. After a slow start to the 2026 regulation cycle, the team has responded with a series of car upgrades that have sparked a late-season resurgence. Max Verstappen has won back-to-back grands prix in Malaysia and Singapore from pole position, leaving Red Bull just seven points behind third-placed McLaren with six rounds remaining.

Mekies’ extension also complements a broader effort by Red Bull to lock in long-term stability. Verstappen signed a new deal in August extending his stay through to the end of 2030, ending speculation over his future. The Dutchman will be joined in 2027 by sophomore Isack Hadjar, confirmed last month as his partner.

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff welcomed the news, saying Mekies “combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes our team successful,” adding that “continuity in leadership is a key ingredient for sustained success.”

Mekies himself struck an ambitious tone: “We genuinely believe this is only the beginning. We will continue to embrace the principles that define us: being free in our thinking, fast in our actions and bold in our decisions.”