Red Bull F1 boss Mekies gets new deal to 2031
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner at the F1 team, has his contract extended until the end of 2031.
Key points
- Red Bull have extended team principal Laurent Mekies' contract until the end of 2031.
- Mekies replaced Christian Horner in summer 2025 after Horner's sacking.
- Max Verstappen won the last two races in Malaysia and Singapore after a difficult start to 2026.
Red Bull have extended the contract of team principal Laurent Mekies until the end of 2031. The Frenchman has led the team since replacing Christian Horner, who was sacked in the summer of 2025 after 20 years in charge.
The move follows an improvement in Red Bull's form in the 2026 season. Max Verstappen has taken dominant victories in the last two races, in Malaysia and Singapore.
Shareholders explain decision
A statement attributed to Red Bull's two main shareholders, Thai Chalerm Yoovidhya and Austrian Mark Mateschitz, said Mekies had played a crucial role in guiding the team through an important period of transition while maintaining its competitive spirit and principles.
The statement added that the extension reflected their confidence in his leadership and their shared belief in the team's long-term vision, and that they were committed to building on the current momentum together.
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.
— Red Bull shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz
Verstappen deal and Horner remarks
The extension comes less than two months after Verstappen extended his own contract by two years to the end of 2030, following a period of uncertainty over his future.
Verstappen's two wins came after Horner told the Times that Red Bull had "lost its mojo, its presence, its vibe".
