Laurent Mekies has signed a long-term contract extension to remain as Red Bull’s CEO and Team Principal, locking in his leadership through the 2031 Formula 1 season following a resurgence in team form and back-to-back victories.
Red Bull secured its long-term leadership on October 14, 2026, when shareholder Mark Mateschitz announced the multi-year deal during a team debrief at the Milton Keynes factory. The announcement follows back-to-back wins by Max Verstappen in Malaysia and Singapore, cementing an operational turnaround that began after a difficult start to the 2026 regulations.
Shareholder Backing and Leadership Continuity
The decision to extend Mekies through 2031 reflects high-level confidence from the team’s stakeholders. Mateschitz and fellow shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya praised the Frenchman’s handling of a turbulent transition period that followed major personnel departures.
Laurent Mekies has signed a long-term contract extension to remain as Red Bull Racing's CEO and Team Principal, lasting through the 2031 season 🚨FULL STORY 👉 https://t.co/BVYbT1h4ln#F1 pic.twitter.com/IzjpQNcauL
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. This extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our shared belief in the long-term vision of the team.
Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, Red Bull shareholders
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments, emphasized that continuity in leadership remains essential for sustained success. Mintzlaff credited Mekies with combining technical expertise and strategic thinking while embodying the core values of the Milton Keynes operation.
Internal Stability and Driver Alignments
Mekies took over as CEO and team principal in July 2025, succeeding Christian Horner. In the months since, Mekies has restored internal calm following a prior era marked by public friction between management factions.
That stability directly influenced driver retention. Max Verstappen committed his future to the team through 2030, and Isack Hadjar signed a contract renewal for 2027. Mekies maintains a close working relationship with Verstappen, keeping open lines of communication with Jos Verstappen and manager Raymond Vermeulen.
On-Track Momentum and the 2026 Season
The contract extension arrives as Red Bull hits a competitive stride. After dropping behind rivals at the start of the 2026 campaign under new technical rules, the car improved significantly through development led by key personnel.
Max Verstappen secured dominant wins in Malaysia and Singapore, positioning the team in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, just seven points behind Ferrari. With technical director Pierre Waché and Red Bull Powertrains technical director Ben Hodgkinson anchoring future development, Mekies views the current results as merely a starting point.
I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm, Mark, and Oliver, the entire team, and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project. What makes this team special is the way everyone comes together in pursuit of the same goal, and I feel privileged to work alongside such a talented and committed group every day.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal
The team prepares to travel to Austin for the United States Grand Prix next week, carrying renewed stability into the final stretch of the season.
