Laurent Mekies: Red Bull team principal signs contract extension to 2031 and vows recent wins 'only the beginning'
Laurent Mekies has signed a five-year contract extension to continue as Red Bull team principal and chief executive until 2031.
Mekies joined the team from sister outfit Racing Bulls in July 2025 after Christian Horner was sacked following 20 years in charge.
News of Mekies' contract renewal comes in the wake of Red Bull claiming their first two wins of the season, both courtesy of Max Verstappen, over the past fortnight in Malaysia and Singapore.
They are fourth in the Constructors' Championship but have closed to within seven points of third-placed McLaren in what is shaping up to be a very competitive end to their first year as an engine manufacturer.
Verstappen extended his Red Bull contract to 2030 in August, while Isack Hadjar was also handed a contract renewal into 2027 after impressing in his first season at Milton Keynes.
In a joint statement announcing Mekies' extended deal, Red Bull shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz said: "The strength of Red Bull has always come from its people and from creating an environment where talented individuals can achieve extraordinary things together.
"Laurent has played a crucial role in guiding the team through an important period of transition while maintaining the competitive spirit and the Red Bull principles that define us.
"This extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our shared belief in the long term vision of the team.
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"We are ambitious about what lies ahead and we are committed to building on this momentum together."
Mekies, who has also previously worked at Ferrari and the FIA, said: "I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm, Mark, and Oliver [Mintzlaff], the entire team, and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project.
"What makes this team special is the way everyone comes together in pursuit of the same goal, and I feel privileged to work alongside such a talented and committed group every day.
"Together, with Pierre Wache's and Ben Hodgkinson's teams playing a central role in shaping our future, we have a strong platform for the years ahead, and we genuinely believe this is only the beginning.
"As we look ahead, we will continue to embrace the principles that define us: being free in our thinking, fast in our actions and bold in our decisions."
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Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull's CEO of corporate projects and investments, also hailed the 49-year-old's Mekies' leadership qualities.
"Laurent has demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family," he said.
"He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes our team successful. Just as importantly, he embodies the values and mentality that define the Red Bull way: courage, teamwork, determination, and an unrelenting desire to compete at the highest level.
"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."
Formula 1 next heads to The Americas for another triple header with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first on October 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime
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14 of October 2026
