Research notes
Laurent Mekies is a French engineer-turned-team principal, a graduate of ESTACA in France (mechanical engineering) who earned a master's in automotive engineering from Loughborough University in the UK. He started with an F3 internship and as an engine engineer at Asiatech, then worked for many years at Minardi/Toro Rosso, rising to Chief Engineer. In 2014 he joined the FIA as Safety Director and Deputy F1 Race Director, then moved to Ferrari in 2018 as Sporting/Racing Director. In 2024 he took charge of Racing Bulls, and in July 2025 was promoted to Red Bull Team CEO and Team Principal.
Yes, racing engineering/technical operations background
Succeeded Christian Horner in mid-2025;
previously held technical/operations roles at Arrows, Minardi/Toro Rosso, the FIA, and Ferrari.