Laurent Mekies appointed Red Bull Racing CEO after Christian Horner exit

Laurent Mekies takes over as Red Bull Racing CEO following Christian Horner’s immediate dismissal after 20-year tenure

Red Bull Racing confirmed on Wednesday that Christian Horner has been dismissed from his position as team principal and CEO with immediate effect, ending his two-decade tenure with the team. In an official statement, the team announced that Laurent Mekies will succeed Horner as CEO and team principal, effective immediately.

BREAKING: Laurent Mekies takes over CEO duties at Red Bull Racing with immediate effect#F1 pic.twitter.com/z0VfUrVvA6

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025

BREAKING: Christian Horner is to exit Red Bull Racing with immediate effect#F1 pic.twitter.com/v50mwnBlV6

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 9, 2025

Mekies, 48, currently serves as the team principal of Red Bull’s sister squad, Racing Bulls. A French engineer by training, he brings extensive experience in Formula 1, having served as a race engineer at Minardi/Toro Rosso, safety director and deputy race director at the FIA, and later as racing director and deputy team principal at Ferrari. Mekies assumed leadership of Racing Bulls in early 2024, succeeding long-time team boss Franz Tost.

His extensive experience across the F1 ecosystem now positions him to lead Red Bull Racing during a pivotal period. As part of the broader managerial reshuffle, Racing Bulls’ current racing director, Alan Permane, has been promoted to team principal of that team.

Red Bull Racing’s press release emphasized Mekies’ leadership style and credited him with fostering a strong team culture. The organization also acknowledged Horner’s foundational role in transforming Red Bull from a mid-field competitor to a championship-winning powerhouse.

The leadership change comes amid a turbulent 2025 campaign for Red Bull, marked by underperformance and increasing speculation about internal dissatisfaction. Mekies is expected to face immediate pressure to stabilize operations and steer the team back into title contention.

Red Bull stated that Mekies will assume full operational responsibility effective immediately, with Permane set to take over at Racing Bulls. As Red Bull recalibrates its leadership amid intensifying competition and internal shifts, Mekies’ promotion signals a bold commitment to long-term performance and internal renewal.