Red Bull extend team boss Mekies' contract

Red Bull announce extended five-year contract for team boss Laurent Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner in the role last season; watch every session of the United States GP in Austin on October 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1

Laurent Mekies has signed a five-year contract extension to continue as Red Bull team principal and chief executive until 2031.

Mekies joined the team from sister outfit Racing Bulls in July 2025 after Christian Horner was sacked following 20 years in charge.

News of Mekies' contract renewal comes in the wake of Red Bull claiming their first two wins of the season, both courtesy of Max Verstappen, over the past fortnight in Malaysia and Singapore.

They are fourth in the Constructors' Championship but have closed to within seven points of third-placed McLaren in what is shaping up to be a very competitive end to their first year as an engine manufacturer.

Verstappen extended his Red Bull contract to 2030 in August, while Isack Hadjar was also handed a contract renewal into 2027 after impressing in his first season at Milton Keynes.

In a joint statement announcing Mekies' extended deal, Red Bull shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz said: "The strength of Red Bull has always come from its people and from creating an environment where talented individuals can achieve extraordinary things 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.

"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."

Mekies, who has also previously worked at Ferrari and the FIA, said: "I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I would like to thank Chalerm, Mark, and Oliver [Mintzlaff], 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.

"Together, with Pierre Wache's and Ben Hodgkinson's teams playing a central role in shaping our future, we have a strong platform for the years ahead, and we genuinely believe this is only the beginning.

"As we look ahead, we will continue to embrace the principles that define us: being free in our thinking, fast in our actions and bold in our decisions."