Laurent Mekies signs Red Bull contract extension through 2031
- Red Bull has secured the long-term future of its Formula 1 leadership by extending team principal Laurent Mekies' contract through the end of 2031, bbc.co.uk reported.
- The contract extension arrives after a challenging start to the 2026 campaign that saw Red Bull fight back through continuous car upgrades.
- Team shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz praised the leadership transition in a joint statement published by BBC Sport.
Red Bull has secured the long-term future of its Formula 1 leadership by extending team principal Laurent Mekies’ contract through the end of 2031, bbc.co.uk reported. The Frenchman, who took over from Christian Horner in July 2025 following a twenty-year tenure, is now slated to spend at least six seasons running the Austrian outfit.
Laurent Mekies Secures Red Bull Extension Through 2031
The contract extension arrives after a challenging start to the 2026 campaign that saw Red Bull fight back through continuous car upgrades. World champion Max Verstappen has claimed dominant victories from pole position in the last two races in Malaysia and Singapore, leaving Red Bull only seven points behind third-placed McLaren with six rounds remaining in the season, according to Autosport.
Team shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz praised the leadership transition in a joint statement published by BBC Sport.
Laurent 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.
Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz
Oliver Mintzlaff, chief executive officer of corporate projects and investments overseeing the Formula 1 program, highlighted Mekies’ technical expertise and strategic thinking.
Continuity in leadership is a key ingredient for sustained success.
Oliver Mintzlaff
Max Verstappen Solidifies Long-Term Future Alongside Team Boss
The management announcement follows Max Verstappen’s own contract extension signed in August 2030, which pushed his tenure through to the end of 2030 and halted prior paddock speculation about his future, Autosport reported. Verstappen’s recent wins in Malaysia and Singapore came shortly after an interview in which Christian Horner asserted the team had lost its mojo and presence. Mekies acknowledged the broader team effort in securing his new agreement.
Mekies pointed to the collective drive within the organization, stating that what makes the team special is the way everyone comes together in pursuit of the same goal, adding that he feels privileged to work alongside such a talented and committed group every day.
Autosport.com noted that Mekies previously led the Racing Bulls sister squad at the start of the 2024 campaign after spending six seasons at Ferrari as sporting director and racing director. Looking ahead to 2027, Verstappen is confirmed to partner with sophomore driver Isack Hadjar, who was signed to the squad last month.