MILTON KEYNES — Laurent Mekies has signed a new long-term contract extension to remain Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO through the end of the 2031 Formula 1 season. The renewal was confirmed by Red Bull shareholder Mark Mateschitz during a team debrief in Milton Keynes on Wednesday following back-to-back victories in Malaysia and Singapore.
Mekies took over as CEO and team principal following Christian Horner's sacking in July last year. “I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm, Mark, and Oliver, the entire team, and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project,” Mekies said. “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.”
Mekies added that with Pierre Wache’s and Ben Hodgkinson’s teams playing a central role in shaping the future, the team has a strong platform and will continue to embrace being “free in our thinking, fast in our actions and bold in our decisions.” Red Bull shareholders Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya jointly said Mekies “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,” while managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said Mekies “has demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family” and embodies courage, teamwork and determination.
The deal follows the recent contract renewal of Max Verstappen, who committed his future to Red Bull until at least the end of 2030, and the retention of Isack Hadjar for the 2027 season. The extension secures continuity at the top as Red Bull builds on its recent momentum following Christian Horner's exit from the team last July.