The Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team is navigating its preseason preparations with a notable absence: team principal Laurent Mekies. Mekies will not be present at the Bahrain International Circuit for the first three-day test, which begins , due to a minor, routine medical procedure.
The news, confirmed by multiple sources including RacingNews365 and GPblog, comes as the team embarks on its first full season as a constructor with its own power unit, Red Bull Powertrains. While the team enjoyed a relatively smooth initial test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar logging significant mileage, the Bahrain test represents a crucial step in refining the RB22 and understanding the performance characteristics of the new power unit in race conditions.
Despite Mekies’ absence, Red Bull has emphasized that he will remain closely connected with the engineering team remotely. He is expected to rejoin the team for the second and final preseason test, scheduled to take place at the same Bahrain circuit from to . This suggests the medical procedure is not expected to sideline him for an extended period.
Mekies took over the team principal role following the departure of Christian Horner last year, and his leadership is considered vital as Red Bull transitions into this new era of power unit manufacturing. The team acknowledges that the first year with the Red Bull Powertrains engine will present significant challenges. Mekies himself has publicly stated that expecting immediate dominance would be “naive,” a sentiment echoed by Verstappen, who understands the uphill battle facing the Milton Keynes-based squad.
“As I just explained, it would be very naive to think we’ll be at the top level right away,” Mekies told De Telegraaf, as reported by Express. “That’s crazy. It would also be strange to think Max doesn’t get that; he understands it completely.” Despite acknowledging the challenges, Mekies reaffirmed Red Bull’s unwavering ambition to be the top team, emphasizing that this is the only mindset acceptable within the organization.
Verstappen and Hadjar are scheduled to share driving duties during the Bahrain test. Verstappen will drive for the entirety of Wednesday, while Hadjar will take over on Thursday. On Friday, the two drivers will split the day, with Verstappen driving in the morning and Hadjar in the afternoon. The focus will be on gathering data, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the reliability of both the chassis and the power unit.
The absence of Mekies, while described as routine, adds a layer of complexity to an already demanding preseason schedule. The team will need to rely on strong communication and collaboration between the trackside engineers and Mekies remotely to navigate any issues that may arise. The Bahrain test is critical not only for technical development but also for establishing effective operational procedures with the new power unit.
The broader context of the 2026 season is one of significant regulation changes and increased competition. Several teams, including Mercedes and Aston Martin, are also undergoing significant development programs, making the preseason tests even more crucial for establishing a competitive baseline. The first test in Bahrain will provide the first real glimpse of how the teams stack up against each other and whether Red Bull can overcome the challenges associated with its new power unit venture.
While the team is focused on the technical aspects of the test, the absence of a key leader like Mekies underscores the importance of stability and continuity during this critical period. The team’s ability to effectively manage his absence and maintain clear communication will be a key factor in its success during the preseason and the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
