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3h ago

Red Bull Taps Laurent Mekies as Team Principal After Horner’s Dismissal

Laurent Mekies takes charge at Red Bull to stabilize performance with Max Verstappen’s future contract talks adding pressure

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in parc ferme during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jeremy Clarkson on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
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Overview

  • Christian Horner’s abrupt dismissal ended his 20-year tenure as team principal and left Red Bull’s official reason for the decision unstated.
  • Laurent Mekies was promoted from Racing Bulls to assume both team principal and CEO roles as Red Bull slipped to fourth in the 2025 constructors’ standings.
  • Helmut Marko labeled the leadership change a new chapter and confirmed comprehensive car upgrades for the upcoming Spa and Hungary Grands Prix.
  • Mercedes boss Toto Wolff verified that talks with four-time champion Max Verstappen have taken place, fueling speculation over his 2026 plans.
  • Mekies must now navigate major choices on Red Bull’s in-house power unit development for the 2026 regulations and finalize the driver lineup beyond Verstappen.