Laurent Mekies, CEO of the new Red Bull Racing and principal of the team, says his first job is to “discover the magic” within the team before focusing on the 2026 regulatory challenges.
Mekies replaced Christian Horner on Wednesday, and Horner was removed from his position after running the Formula One team for more than 20 years. Stepping up from the Racing Bulls, whom he was talking about during the day filming at Silverstone, he said he needed to meet as many staff as possible before the Belgian Grand Prix to understand how the team was run.
“The next step, what you can’t wait for is to meet people,” Mekies said. “It’s not even been a day, so I can’t wait to meet as many people as possible from this incredible team. You want to discover magic and meet the guys and girls who are doing magic behind the scenes.
“It’s something that will be dedicated to the next few weeks. To meet as many people as possible, to listen to them, to try and find ways to understand and ultimately contribute and support this beautiful magical machine, Red Bull Formula 1.”
Mekies says that the external impression of Red Bull has always been a team full of world-class talent, and he is keen to ensure they operate at the highest level.
“I still see these guys most of the people outside the team. We look at you, we see the best people in the world. That’s this team. Even with our previous competitors, we think (Red Bull) is the sharpest team.
“We are not underestimating the challenges ahead. Formula 1 will likely face the biggest change in regulations in its history. And when we use our own power units, there is a very special place for Red Bull. So it will be an incredible challenge.
Regarding Horner’s legacy at Red Bull, Mekies noted that his own previous role with the Racing Bulls has been granted Horner’s approval.
“The first thought is for Christians. It’s still unrealistic to be here and I feel a bit unrealistic to not see him,” he said. “It is impossible to underestimate the scale of the outcomes this team had Christian leadership for less than 20 years.
“I met him 20 years ago when he was the youngest team principal in Formula 1. It’s incredible to see how he transformed this place into what it is today, and there are a lot of titles and victory on that journey.