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5d ago

Red Bull Names Laurent Mekies as Principal — Verstappen Weighs Future

The squad is finalizing a Ford-partnered power unit set to run under F1’s 2026 regulations.

Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing stand on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone talks with Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing before the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2016 in Austin, United States.

Overview

  • Laurent Mekies was appointed Red Bull Racing team principal on July 9 following Christian Horner’s removal.
  • Horner’s departure concluded a 20-year tenure marked by championship success, a cleared misconduct inquiry and internal power struggles after a performance slump.
  • Four-time champion Max Verstappen has two wins in the first ten races of this season and is contracted with Red Bull through 2028 despite speculation about a move to Mercedes.
  • Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone urged Verstappen to follow his happiness and signaled that he hopes the driver stays with Red Bull.
  • Red Bull Powertrains is developing a Ford-partnered engine for the sport’s new 2026 hybrid regulations.