Laurent Mekies: The French Engineer Steering Red Bull Racing into a New Era
In the high-octane world of Formula One, where precision, leadership, and innovation determine success, Laurent Mekies has emerged as a key figure. A French motorsport executive, administrator, and engineer, Mekies’s career journey reflects an extraordinary rise from the garage floors of junior teams to the helm of one of the sport’s most powerful outfits. Today, he serves as the CEO and Team Principal at Oracle Red Bull Racing, overseeing both the competitive and strategic direction of the reigning F1 powerhouse.
This article delves into the life and career of Laurent Mekies, covering his education, professional journey, roles with Ferrari, FIA, Toro Rosso, Racing Bulls, and his recent appointment at Red Bull Racing. We will also touch on his age, personal life, and reputation within the motorsport world.
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Origins
Laurent Philippe Mekies was born on 28 April 1977 in Tours, France. From a young age, he displayed a passion for engineering and the mechanics of speed. Motorsport, especially Formula One, fascinated him, and this interest set the stage for his future career.
Academic Path
Mekies studied Mechanical Engineering at the École Supérieure des Techniques Aéronautiques et de Construction Automobile (ESTACA), one of France’s prestigious engineering institutions. His technical expertise was sharpened further when he completed his final year at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, specialising in Automotive Engineering. This blend of French rigour and British applied science gave him an invaluable edge as he stepped into the competitive world of Formula One.
Early Career in Motorsport
Asiatech F1
Mekies’s career began in 2001 with Asiatech F1, where he worked as an engine race engineer. This was his entry point into top-tier motorsport, and it introduced him to the complexities of Formula One power units and race operations.
Minardi F1 Team
In 2003, Laurent Mekies joined Minardi as a race engineer. Here, he worked closely with young drivers, including the likes of Mark Webber and Justin Wilson. His meticulous approach and ability to build strong driver-engineer relationships set him apart. By the end of his tenure in 2005, Mekies had established himself as a capable and dependable engineer.
Rise with Scuderia Toro Rosso
When Minardi was acquired by Red Bull and rebranded as Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006, Mekies stayed with the team. Over the next nine years, he steadily climbed the ranks:
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Race Engineer (2005–2012): Working directly with drivers, refining setups, and maximising performance.
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Chief Engineer (2005–2012): Leading technical departments and coordinating with the factory on car development.
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Head of Vehicle Performance (2012–2014): Overseeing the performance analysis and development strategies that shaped Toro Rosso’s competitiveness.
This period honed his technical expertise and gave him managerial experience, laying the foundation for senior roles in Formula One governance.
FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
Safety Director
In 2014, Laurent Mekies made a significant career shift when he joined the FIA as Safety Director. In this role, he focused on driver and circuit safety — a central issue in motorsport. His tenure coincided with the introduction of important safety innovations, including improved crash structures and steps towards the now-mandatory halo device.
Deputy Race Director
By 2017, Mekies was promoted to Formula One Deputy Race Director, working alongside senior FIA officials to enforce race regulations and oversee the conduct of Grands Prix. This administrative and regulatory experience broadened his perspective beyond team boundaries, giving him insight into the governance of the sport itself.
Ferrari Era
Sporting Director
In October 2018, Mekies joined Scuderia Ferrari as Sporting Director. This was a return to team operations at the highest level, and he quickly became a trusted figure within the Maranello outfit.
Racing Director
By February 2021, Mekies had risen to Racing Director and Deputy Team Principal at Ferrari. He was responsible for race operations, driver management, and ensuring competitive performance on the track. His calm demeanour, technical understanding, and ability to coordinate complex operations made him a key part of Ferrari’s leadership.
Although Ferrari faced mixed fortunes during this period, Mekies’s contribution was respected, particularly his ability to manage pressure and maintain professionalism in one of F1’s most scrutinised teams.
Visa Cash App RB F1 Team
In January 2024, Mekies was appointed Team Principal of Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, Red Bull’s sister squad formerly known as AlphaTauri. Leading a rebranded outfit, he focused on restructuring operations, improving performance, and strengthening ties with the main Red Bull Racing team.
During his tenure, RB showed noticeable improvements, with stronger technical processes and better alignment with Red Bull’s philosophy. His work at RB was effectively a proving ground for bigger responsibilities.
CEO & Team Principal at Oracle Red Bull Racing
In July 2025, following the departure of long-time boss Christian Horner, Laurent Mekies was named CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing. This marked the pinnacle of his career, placing him in charge of one of the most dominant and resource-rich teams in Formula One.
Responsibilities
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Overseeing Red Bull Racing’s technical and racing operations.
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Leading the transition towards the 2026 regulations and the introduction of Red Bull-Ford power units.
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Maintaining Red Bull’s competitive edge in the face of resurgent rivals.
Challenges and Goals
Mekies inherits a team with enormous expectations. His challenge is to continue the legacy of victories while guiding the team into a new era of technological change. His leadership is already credited with improving communication, driver feedback integration, and fostering a more collaborative technical culture.
Age and Personal Life
As of 2025, Laurent Mekies is 48 years old. Despite his high-profile career, Mekies is known for keeping his personal life private. Reports suggest that he is married, though details about his wife and family remain undisclosed. This discretion reflects his professional focus and preference for privacy away from the spotlight.
Net Worth and Salary
Estimates of Laurent Mekies’s net worth vary, but most sources suggest it lies in the low millions (USD). As a top-level Formula One team principal, his annual salary is believed to be over $1 million, reflecting his seniority and responsibilities. Compared with some veteran F1 leaders, Mekies’s wealth is modest, but it has grown steadily with his career progression.
Legacy and Reputation
Leadership Style
Mekies is admired for his calm, thoughtful, and professional approach. Unlike some outspoken team principals, he is measured in his words, analytical in his decisions, and highly respected by engineers and drivers alike.
Contribution to Motorsport
From improving safety at the FIA to leading Ferrari’s racing division, restructuring RB, and now commanding Red Bull Racing, Mekies has left his mark at every stage of his career. His journey is a testament to dedication, technical brilliance, and leadership in one of the toughest environments in sport.
Conclusion
Laurent Mekies represents the modern Formula One leader: a blend of engineer, administrator, and strategist. From his early days at Asiatech and Minardi to his influential FIA role, Ferrari leadership, and stewardship of Racing Bulls, he has built an impressive resume. Now, as CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, he faces perhaps his greatest challenge yet — sustaining Red Bull’s dominance while preparing for the seismic regulation changes of 2026.
With his age, experience, and calm leadership style, Mekies is well positioned to shape the future of one of Formula One’s most iconic teams. His career serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and a reminder that in motorsport, dedication and vision can propel you from the pit wall to the pinnacle of success.
