Laurent Mekies

Personal Profile

Biography

Laurent Mekies is a French motorsport engineer and executive who serves as CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the FIA Formula One World Championship. His professional experience spans automotive engineering, vehicle performance development, racing safety, sporting regulations and team management.

Born in Tours, France, on 28 April 1977, Mekies developed an interest in Formula 1 during childhood after attending the 1988 French Grand Prix at Le Castellet with his father. He subsequently studied mechanical engineering at ESTACA in Paris before completing the final year of his studies at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. His engineering education provided the foundation for his subsequent career in international motorsport.

Early Career and Engineering Experience

Mekies began his professional motorsport career with the Signature team in French Formula 3 in 2000. He subsequently joined Asiatech, a company involved in supplying engines to Formula 1 teams, before gaining early experience in the championship through an engine programme associated with Arrows in 2001.

In 2002, Mekies joined Minardi as a race engineer. He continued working within the organisation based in Faenza, Italy, as the team evolved into Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006.

During his time at Toro Rosso, Mekies held several technical positions. He served as Chief Engineer before becoming Head of Vehicle Performance. These responsibilities provided experience in coordinating trackside engineering operations, connecting factory-based car development with race-weekend requirements and improving vehicle performance.

Transition to the FIA

In 2014, Mekies left Toro Rosso to join the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as Safety Director. His responsibilities included various safety and medical matters across championships governed by the federation, alongside research, development and homologation activities.

At the beginning of 2017, he was also appointed Deputy Race Director for Formula 1. In this role, Mekies worked alongside Charlie Whiting and became involved in the operational oversight and sporting administration of the championship. His experience at the FIA broadened his understanding of technical regulations, competition procedures, safety standards and international motorsport governance.

Ferrari Years

In September 2018, Mekies joined Scuderia Ferrari as Sporting Director. In 2019, he also assumed responsibility as Head of Track and Performance Area before being promoted to Racing Director in 2021.

At Ferrari, he was involved in coordinating race operations and managing various aspects of team performance. These responsibilities strengthened his ability to connect technical requirements with operational decision-making at management level.

Mekies left Ferrari in 2023 to return to Faenza and begin a new chapter in his leadership career.

Leading Racing Bulls

In 2024, Mekies officially became Team Principal of the organisation previously known as AlphaTauri, which subsequently competed under the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls identity.

Under his leadership, the organisation continued developing its team structure and strengthening its workforce. Racing Bulls finished the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors' Championship in eighth place with 46 points.

During the 2025 season, the team demonstrated competitive progress. According to the figures included in this profile, Racing Bulls occupied seventh place in the Constructors' Championship after the first 12 races, having accumulated 36 points before Mekies assumed his next leadership position at Red Bull Racing.

Appointment as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing

In July 2025, Mekies was appointed CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, succeeding Christian Horner. The appointment marked a significant milestone in his career, taking him from technical engineering roles to leading one of Formula 1's major organisations.

His experience at Minardi, Toro Rosso, the FIA, Ferrari and Racing Bulls provided an understanding of multiple aspects of the championship, including car development, regulations, safety, operational strategy and personnel management.

In his new position, Mekies is responsible for the organisation's overall direction and the coordination of the departments supporting the team's performance. His responsibilities include race operations, technical integration and the development of Red Bull's competitive capabilities amid the regulatory changes introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

In October 2026, Red Bull confirmed an extension of his contract as CEO and Team Principal through the end of the 2031 season. The extension secures continuity in his leadership during an important period for the team's technical development and competitive strategy.

Career Timeline

Career Milestones and Achievements

Editorial note: The table summarises career milestones and appointments rather than individual championship titles. Team championship positions are collective results and should not be presented as Mekies' individual achievements.

Summary

Laurent Mekies built his career through technical engineering before progressing into senior Formula 1 management. His experience across racing teams, the FIA and Ferrari has given him a broad perspective encompassing engineering, safety, regulations and competition management.

His leadership role at Racing Bulls provided a transition towards his appointment as CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing in 2025. With his contract extended through the end of 2031, Mekies leads the organisation as it navigates the technical and competitive challenges of Formula 1's 2026 regulatory era.