Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Laurent Mekies extends Red Bull F1 team boss contract through 2031
Laurent Mekies will lead Red Bull through 2031 after extending his contract as team principal.
The Frenchman joined the Austrian Formula 1 team in July 2025, replacing Christian Horner after Horner’s 20 years in charge.
Mekies previously worked at Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls and Ferrari.
Red Bull has improved after a slow start to the 2026 rule changes, adding car upgrades as the season has progressed.
Max Verstappen has won the last two races, in Malaysia and Singapore, and Red Bull is seven points behind third-placed McLaren with six races remaining.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2030, and the team has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will partner him in 2027.
The new deal gives Red Bull continuity in team leadership as it works to build on its recent progress.
Laurent Mekies has extended his contract as Red Bull’s Formula 1 team principal through the end of 2031.
The deal keeps the Frenchman in charge for at least six seasons after he joined the team in July 2025.
Red Bull announced the extension after Max Verstappen won the grands prix in Malaysia and Singapore.
The team is fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, seven points behind third-placed McLaren, with six rounds left.
Red Bull shareholders said the extension reflects their confidence in Mekies’ leadership and the team’s long-term vision.
- Who
- Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s Formula 1 team principal and chief executive.
- What
- He signed a contract extension through the end of 2031.
- When
- Announced on 14 October 2026.
- Where
- Red Bull’s Formula 1 team.
- Why
- Red Bull said it has confidence in Mekies’ leadership and its long-term vision.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mekies took over sister team Racing Bulls after six years at Ferrari.
Mekies joined Red Bull from Racing Bulls after Christian Horner left the team.
Max Verstappen signed a new Red Bull deal through the end of 2030.
Verstappen won the grands prix in Malaysia and Singapore.
Red Bull announced Mekies’ contract extension through the end of 2031.
- Contract end
- 2031
- Joined Red Bull
- July 2025
- Previous team
- Racing Bulls
- Championship position
- Fourth in the Constructors’ Championship
- Gap to third-placed McLaren
- Seven points
- Rounds remaining
- Six
5 sources
What people are saying
I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing,
This extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our shared belief in the long-term vision of the team.
Continuity in leadership is a key ingredient for sustained success, and we are delighted that Laurent will continue to lead the team through the next chapter of our journey.