Red Bull announce long-term extension for 'outstanding' F1 boss

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has signed a new-long term contract with the team, until the end of the 2031 F1 season.  

The news was announced by Mark Mateschitz, the son of late founder Dietrich, during a team debrief at Milton Keynes following Red Bull's victories in the last two grands prix in Bahrain and Singapore.

Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner in the role in July 2025, helped to reignite Max Verstappen's faltering title defence that season, as he embarked on a strong run at the end of the season, only narrowly missing out on a record-equalling fifth successive title by two points.

Under Mekies, the team has also completed its journey of becoming a power unit manufacturer in its own right, with Verstappen taking the landmark first win in Sepang. 

The renewal of the Frenchman's contract until the end of the 2031 season is the latest for Red Bull in recent weeks, with Verstappen and Isack Hadjar also agreeing new contracts to stay, as well as other team members as the post-Horner rebuild continues.

"I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm [Yoovidhya] Mark, and Oliver [Mintzlaff] (below), 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."

Prior to joining Red Bull, Mekies was the team principal and CEO of Racing Bulls, having also enjoyed previous spells in senior positions at the FIA and Ferrari, and started his career at Arrows in 2001, before moving to Minardi in 2002, which, over time, would be known as Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri, and currently Racing Bulls. 

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Red Bull senior figures praise Mekies

The shareholding of Red Bull is split between the Voovidhya family, headed by Chalerm, and Mateschitz, and in a joint statement, the pair spoke of the "crucial role" Mekies had played in rebuilding the team. 

"The strength of Red Bull has always come from its people and from creating an environment where talented individuals can achieve extraordinary things together," it read.

"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. We are ambitious about what lies ahead and we are committed to building on this momentum together."

Oliver Mintzlaff, the CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull GmbH, and therefore responsible for both the company's F1 teams, added that Mekies had "demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family.

"He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes our team successful. 

"Just as importantly, he embodies the values and mentality that define the Red Bull way: courage, teamwork, determination, and an unrelenting desire to compete at the highest level.

"Continuity in leadership is a key ingredient for sustained success, and we are delighted that Laurent will continue to lead the team through the next chapter of our journey."