Formula 1: Laurent Mekies, the new Red Bull boss, will replace Christian Horner.
The French engineer replaces the Englishman, who was a historic icon within the Red Bull team. The new director was at the "Prancing Horse" team.
Red Bull shook the Formula 1 world with an unexpected announcement: the immediate departure of Christian Horner, the team's longtime principal, was confirmed due to poor results in recent races. Laurent Mekies, Racing Bulls' current team principal, will take his place.
The 48-year-old French engineer, who had previously worked for Red Bull, is considered a direct disciple of Horner and will take on the challenge of leading the most dominant team in recent years in the top category.
Mekies began his career in Formula 3 and moved to Formula 1 in 2000 as a race engineer. In 2006, he joined Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) and was promoted to chief engineer.
In 2014, he decided to temporarily step away from F1 teams to join the International Automobile Federation (FIA), where he served as Safety Director and Assistant Race Director. There, he played a crucial role in the implementation of the Halo protection system and in drafting key safety regulations.
In 2017, Mekies returned to the paddock with Ferrari, where he played an increasing role: first as Director of Track Operations, then as Sporting Director, and finally as Deputy Director.
In January 2024, he was named team principal of Racing Bulls, Red Bull's sister team, marking his formal return to the structure with which he began his F1 career.
Now, Mekies will be tasked with maintaining the high level of performance that characterized Red Bull during the Horner era, who successfully restored the team to its former glory under Dutchman Max Verstappen.
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