Laurent Mekies has built one of the most diverse and accomplished careers in modern Formula One, progressing from junior formula engineering to leading the sport’s most successful teams. Combining technical expertise with strategic leadership, he has worked across engineering, race operations, safety, governance and team management, making a lasting impact both on and off the circuit.
| Born | Laurent Philippe Mekies 28 April 1977 Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France |
|---|---|
| Education | ESTACA Loughborough University |
| Occupations | Motorsport executive, motorsport administrator, engineer |
| Employers | Formula Three Signature team (1999–2000) Formula One Asiatech (2000–2002): with Arrows (2001) with Minardi (2002) Minardi (2003–2005) Toro Rosso (2006–2014) FIA (2014–2018) Ferrari (2018–2023) Racing Bulls (2024–2025) Red Bull (2025–present) |
| Title | Team Principal Chief Executive Officer |
After completing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at ESTACA in Paris, Mekies graduated from Loughborough University, laying the foundations for a career that would take him to the very top of motorsport. While still studying, he gained valuable hands-on experience with Philippe Sinault’s Signature team in French Formula 3, contributing to Jonathan Cochet’s championship-winning 2000 campaign, including victories in both the French Formula 3 Championship and the prestigious Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort.
Later that year, Mekies took his first step towards Formula One by joining Asiatech, the company formed from Peugeot’s former F1 engine programme. As an engine engineer, he helped develop the Asiatech V10 power unit that powered Arrows during the 2001 Formula One season, while also supporting engine testing programmes featuring drivers Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa.
First spell in Formula One (2001–2014)
Mekies officially entered Formula One in 2001 with Asiatech, serving as engine race engineer for Enrique Bernoldi at Arrows before moving with the engine supplier to Minardi in 2002, where he worked alongside Mark Webber.
When Asiatech ceased operations later that year, Mekies remained with Minardi, beginning what would become a long association with the Faenza-based team. He continued as an engine race engineer with Justin Wilson before earning promotion to race engineer, working directly with Zsolt Baumgartner in 2004 and Christijan Albers in 2005.
Following Red Bull’s acquisition of Minardi and the creation of Scuderia Toro Rosso, Mekies became an increasingly influential figure within the team. Between 2006 and 2012, he served as Chief Engineer for both the race and test teams, overseeing engineering operations and helping develop the squad’s technical capabilities. He was then promoted to Head of Vehicle Performance for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, taking responsibility for maximising car performance across every race weekend.
FIA (2014–2018)
In October 2014, Mekies moved from the pit wall to the governing body of world motorsport, joining the FIA as Safety Director. The role placed him at the centre of safety development across every FIA championship, overseeing research, homologation, medical procedures, circuit safety and the continual evolution of Formula One’s safety standards.
One of his most significant contributions came during the development and introduction of the halo cockpit protection system. Mekies played a central role in its evaluation, implementation and presentation, helping drive one of the most important safety innovations in Formula One history.
His influence within the FIA continued to grow, and in 2017 he was appointed Deputy Formula One Race Director, working alongside Charlie Whiting to oversee race weekends, sporting regulations and race control operations.
Return to Formula One (2018–present)
Mekies returned to Formula One team management in late 2018 when Ferrari appointed him as Sporting Director. He made his debut with the Scuderia at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before taking on an increasingly senior role within the organisation.
In 2019, his responsibilities expanded to include leadership of Ferrari’s Track & Performance department, and by 2021 he had become Racing Director, overseeing race weekend operations, sporting matters, strategy and overall on-track performance. During his time at Ferrari, he became one of the team’s key decision-makers and one of the most recognisable figures on the Formula One pit wall.
After departing Ferrari in 2023, Mekies joined the Red Bull organisation following a period of gardening leave. At the start of the 2024 season, he became Team Principal of Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team, working alongside Chief Executive Officer Peter Bayer to reshape the team’s structure and strengthen its long-term competitiveness within the Red Bull family.
His leadership quickly earned widespread recognition, and on 9 July 2025 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing following the departure of Christian Horner. Mekies became the first new leader of Red Bull’s senior Formula One team since its inception in 2005, beginning his tenure at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix.
Today, Laurent Mekies leads Red Bull Racing at the highest level of Formula One, bringing together decades of engineering expertise, regulatory knowledge and operational leadership. His career reflects a rare combination of technical excellence, innovation and management experience, making him one of the sport’s most influential figures.
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