A mechanical engineer by profession, Laurent Mekies’ passion for motorsports ignited as a young boy during a visit to the 1977 French Grand Prix at Le Castellet. That unforgettable experience sparked a lifelong love for racing and set him on a path to pursue a career centered around cars.
His experience in the motor sports industry speaks volumes. He got an Internship at Signature in the French F3 in 2000. A few months later, he scored a job at Asiatech and Minardi, a company that was taken over by Red Bull in 2006 and was rebranded to Scuderia Toro Rosso.
In 2014, the 48-year-old joined the FIA in 2017 as a Safety Director; he was in charge of safety and medical matters in the governing body’s championship. He was promoted to F1 Deputy Race Director after three years. He then jumped ships in 2018 and joined Ferrari until 2023.
Mekies made a quick U-turn and returned to Faenza as the Team principal renamed as Racing Bulls at the start of the 2024 season.Now, the Frenchman has been appointed Team Principal of Red Bull after the dismissal of Christian Horner was announced.
In a statement released, Mekies had a few things to say, but most importantly, pointing out how this move is the beginning of success.
“The last year and a half have been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter Bayer.
“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.”
Horner has been the longest-serving Team Principal for Red Bull for 20 years. In these years spent in charge, he has achieved 8 Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ World Championships, with 124 race wins and 287 podium finishes.
Before stepping down, the 51-year-old addressed staff members, he said: “Yesterday I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I will no longer be involved with the business for the team.
“Moving forward from after this gathering. I’ll still remain employed by the company but operationally the Baton will be handed over. And that obviously… came as a shock to myself. Obviously when I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours or so and I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news.
“And just express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team. That has given so much during the last 20 years and a half years I have been here. When I arrived 20 years ago- with a few less grey hairs- I walked into a team and didn’t know what to expect. I was immediately welcomed and allowed to (not audible) we started to build. What became a powerhouse in formula one. Watching and being part this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.
What’s next for Christian Horner is the Question? He has been linked to Mercedes and Ferrari. Speaking on Sky Sports former racing driver Karun Chandhok says He see’s Horner moving to Alpine than Ferrari plus he has a close relationship with Flavio Briatore who might make a big influence in securing him.
“I do think a combination of Christian and moving to Ferrari was a much more attractive package for Ferrari. I think it’s to me I could see him landing at Alphine more than I can see him landing at Ferrari. I think Ferrari are going to try and you know build their own thing.”
