Laurent Mekies, the new Red Bull boss, has expressed that he feels “a bit unreal” replacing Christian Horner, highlighting the challenge he and the team face in the future. The change comes after the unexpected departure of Horner, who led the team for two decades, marking one of the most successful stages in the history of Formula 1. Mekies moves up from the company’s junior team, Racing Bulls, where he served as director for 18 months, after his time at Ferrari.
Mekies joins Red Bull at a crucial moment. The future of Max Verstappen, four-time world champion, will dominate his first weeks and months in the role, with clauses in the driver’s contract that allow him to leave the team before 2028 if he is below third place in the championship during the summer break. Red Bull also faces long-term uncertainties on the track. The next season will see a major aerodynamic and engine change come into effect, with Red Bull abandoning its partnership with Honda to build its own engines at its Milton Keynes factory, an unprecedented moment in its history. The team has minimized expectations about its competitiveness in 2026. Mekies hinted at a difficult path ahead.The first thoughts are for Christian. It still feels a little unreal to be here and not see him. It would be impossible to underestimate the magnitude of the achievements this team has had under Christian’s 20 years of leadership.
Laurent Mekies
Mekies also added:The focus will be on ensuring that all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they are already the best. We will focus on that, making sure that Red Bull’s energy flows through the team.
Laurent Mekies
Regarding his approach in the first weeks in office, Mekies commented:Along with that, we are not underestimating the challenge ahead of us. Formula 1 is going to face probably the biggest regulatory challenge in its history, and it has a very particular flavor for Red Bull, as we are going with our own power units. It’s going to be an incredible challenge, and we will need everyone to face it together.
Laurent Mekies
I want to discover the magic, I want to meet the guys and girls who are making the magic behind the scenes. That’s what the next few weeks will be dedicated to: trying to get to know as many of our people as possible, listening to them, trying to understand this beautiful magical machine that is Red Bull Formula 1 and, finally, finding ways to contribute and support.
Laurent Mekies
