Mekies replaces Horner at Red Bull — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

New Red Bull F1 boss opens up on replacing fired Horner

The F1 stalwart has stepped up this week

Kevin McKenna

Friday 11 July 2025 03:30

The man who has replaced Christian Horner at Red Bull has spoken out for the first time on the move.

Racing Bulls chief Laurent Mekies was bumped up to be the team principal of Red Bull Racing on Wednesday, having previously worked with a number of teams including the Red Bull junior squad.

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Mekies - who was also confirmed as Red Bull's CEO - has been replaced by Alan Permane, having previously occupied the role of racing director at the junior outfit.

In a statement posted via the Red Bull X account, Mekies said: "Over the last year and a half, it has been an absolute privilege to lead Visa Cash App Racing Bulls and I would like to thank all of our talented people both in Faenza and Milton Keynes.

"It's an honour to be part of this group with brilliant people that will embody the Red Bull spirit. Together we will achieve great results, building on the incredible legacy left by Christian Horner during his two decades in charge."

Mekies facing huge Red Bull challenge

Mekies' journey in F1 began back in 2002 having joined Minardi as their race engineer.

He went on to become chief engineer as the team transitioned to Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006, and was later appointed head of vehicle development.

The 48-year-old took on the position of safety director within the FIA in 2014, and would also operate as the governing body's F1 deputy race director before being named as sporting director at Ferrari.

After leaving the Prancing Horse in 2023, he became VCARB (now Racing Bulls) team principal, a role he held until replacing Horner at Red Bull.

He has a big job on his hands to turn the team's fortunes around having fallen further behind their rivals in 2025.

They currently sit fourth in the constructors' standings, 288 points behind defending champions McLaren.

And with star driver Max Verstappen's title defence on shaky ground, this could turn out to be the team's first trophyless season since 2020.

NASCAR Red Bull Christian Horner Laurent Mekies Alan Permane