Laurent Mekies stood in the Red Bull garage in Singapore, the roar of Max Verstappen’s engine still echoing through the grandstands, as he watched his team celebrate a dominant victory — the second in a row after a rocky start to the season. Just weeks later, the French team principal signed a new contract that will keep him at the helm of Red Bull Racing until the end of 2031, a powerful signal of stability for one of Formula 1’s most successful teams.
This extension is about more than just results — it’s about trust. Mekies stepped into the role in 2025 after Christian Horner’s sudden departure, taking charge of a team in transition. The early months of the 2026 season were tough, with the car struggling to match rivals. But under Mekies’ leadership, Red Bull engineers made key upgrades, and the team roared back with commanding wins in Malaysia and Singapore, reasserting their place at the front of the grid.
The decision to extend Mekies’ contract was confirmed by Red Bull’s two main shareholders: Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya and Austrian Mark Mateschitz. In a joint statement, they praised Mekies for maintaining the team’s competitive spirit and staying true to Red Bull’s core values. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, added that Mekies brings not only technical skill and strategic vision but also the right mindset — one built on courage, teamwork, and relentless determination.
The move follows another major contract extension: Max Verstappen, the team’s star driver, recently committed to Red Bull through 2030. His back-to-back victories came shortly after Horner claimed in a Times interview that the team had “lost its mojo, its presence, its vibe.” The wins — and Mekies’ new deal — suggest the spark is not only back, but burning brighter.
Mekies, who previously worked with Ferrari in senior roles before returning to Red Bull, where he once led their powertrain division, said he feels “incredibly proud” to continue leading the team. He thanked the leadership and every member of the crew, emphasizing the collective effort behind their success.
With both their star driver and team principal now locked in for the long term, Red Bull is building a foundation for sustained excellence. As the 2026 season unfolds, the message is clear: this team believes in its path, its people, and its future.