Laurent Mekies, the newly appointed CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, has been making significant strides in the Formula 1 world. With a background in engineering and a career spanning over two decades, Mekies brings a unique perspective to the role, focusing on eliminating friction from workflows and processes to gain a competitive edge. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, Mekies’ approach is being put to the test.
Mekies took over as CEO in July, replacing Christian Horner, who had led the team since its entry into F1 in 2005. The transition was unexpected, but Mekies’ experience and technical expertise have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. According to Mekies, his approach to leadership is centered around putting his people in the right position to succeed, and he is focused on creating a culture that prioritizes care for both the team and the company.
Technical Expertise Drives Success
Mekies’ technical background has been a significant factor in the team’s recent turnaround. He has been working closely with the team’s partners, including 1Password, a cybersecurity company, to implement solutions that improve efficiency and reduce friction. The partnership may seem unusual, but Mekies believes that 1Password’s technology is essential to Red Bull’s competitive edge. By streamlining login and logout processes, the team can focus on more critical tasks.
The team’s recent success, including Max Verstappen’s win at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, has validated Mekies’ decision to continue developing the 2025 car rather than abandoning it for next year’s development. This approach allowed the team to understand what had gone wrong and make necessary adjustments. As a result, Red Bull has gained a competitive advantage, and Mekies is confident that the team will continue to improve.
Formula 1’s Future
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Mekies is excited about the challenges that lie ahead. The team is developing its own power unit in partnership with Ford, a significant undertaking that will require substantial resources and expertise. According to Mekies, this is a “crazy adventure” that will push the team to its limits. The new power unit regulations will bring significant changes to the sport, and Red Bull is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that arise.
As the team prepares for the 2026 season, Mekies remains focused on the task at hand. He is taking a methodical approach, prioritizing the development of the new power unit and ensuring that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. With a strong team and a clear vision, Red Bull is poised to make a significant impact in the Formula 1 world.
Next Steps
The team’s next steps will be critical in determining their success in the 2026 season. With the development of the new power unit underway, Red Bull will need to continue to work closely with its partners and ensure that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs. The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: Red Bull is ready to take on the challenge.
