Laurent Mekies: “It’s unreal” after replacing Christian Horner at Red Bull
Laurent Mekies admits that replacing Christian Horner « seems unreal », in his first interview as Red Bull's new boss.
The 48-year-old Frenchman has been promoted from the sister team Racing Bulls to succeed Christian Horner, evicted earlier this week with immediate effect after 20 years at the helm of Red Bull.
Laurent Mekies speaks for the first time
Laurent Mekies paid tribute to Christian Horner, who was the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1 and oversaw all of Red Bull’s successes, including six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ titles.
« It’s still unreal to be here and not see him [Horner], said Laurent Mekies. « It’s impossible to underestimate the magnitude of what this team has achieved under Christian’s 20 years of leadership. »
« I met him 20 years ago when he was the youngest team principal in F1, and it’s incredible to see how he has transformed this team to bring it to where it is today », he says.
« This journey, these titles, these victories… Christian is also the person, along with Helmut [Marko] and Oliver [Mintzlaff] – who brought me back to the Red Bull family two years ago. All my first thoughts go to him today. »
Laurent Mekies spoke during a filming day scheduled with the Red Bull car at Silverstone.
Laurent Mekies ready to take on the challenge at Red Bull
For Laurent Mekies, the position of team principal at Red Bull is the most prestigious of his Formula 1 career. He started in the sport in the early 2000s with Arrows, before joining Minardi, which would later become Toro Rosso after being acquired by Red Bull.
He then worked for the FIA between 2014 and 2018, before joining Ferrari as sporting director, then deputy director. In 2024, he returns to the Red Bull fold as the head of the Racing Bulls team.
Laurent Mekies is aware of the magnitude of the challenge that awaits him at Red Bull, as the team is going through a difficult period in terms of performance.
« I watch this team like many people from the outside: you see the best in what they do », he declared.
« That’s what this team is, even as a rival before, we saw Red Bull Racing as the sharpest team, the one that managed to gather the best talents to make them work together. »
« It is a privilege to join this team, and the priority will be to ensure that all these talented people have what they need to give their best — because they are already the best.
« We will focus on that and ensure that Red Bull energy flows through the entire team. We do not underestimate the challenge ahead. We will need everyone, and we will face this challenge together. I am confident that with everyone’s contributions, we will succeed », he concludes.
Read also: Laurent Mekies, from engineer to Red Bull boss: a look back at the journey of the Frenchman
