| Age | 48 |
| Occupation | Team Principal |
| Company | VCARB |
| Country | France |
| Position Last Year | Up |
Laurent Mekies, born on April 28, 1977, in France, has carved an impressive path through the world of Formula 1, becoming one of the sport’s most respected leaders. As of 2024, he serves as the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, one of the most dominant teams in modern F1 history.
Mekies’ journey began far from the spotlight, with an education grounded in precision and performance. He studied at Paris’s École supérieure des techniques aéronautiques et de construction automobile and later at the prestigious Loughborough University in the UK—both institutions known for producing top engineering talent.
His motorsport career kicked off in 2000 with Asiatech, a short-lived engine supplier, before he joined Minardi as a race engineer. There, he supported emerging talents like Mark Webber, gaining hands-on experience in the intense environment of F1. When Minardi transformed into Toro Rosso, Mekies stayed on and was soon promoted to chief engineer, showcasing his growing technical acumen.
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In 2014, Mekies transitioned to a broader role in the sport when he joined the FIA as Safety Director—a critical position following heightened concerns about driver safety. His work helped shape the sport’s modern safety standards, and by 2017, he had become Deputy Race Director, working behind the scenes on race operations and regulation enforcement.
Ferrari took notice of his leadership and technical insight, bringing him into the Scuderia in 2018 as Sporting Director. By 2021, he was promoted to Deputy Team Principal, playing a key role in Ferrari’s resurgence as a front-running team.
In mid-2023, Mekies made a bold move, leaving Ferrari to take the helm at Red Bull Racing, replacing Christian Horner at the start of the 2024 season. With Red Bull’s championship pedigree and Mekies’ deep experience, all eyes are on how his leadership will shape the next era of Formula 1 dominance.
Mekies’ story is a testament to the evolving landscape of F1, where engineering precision, regulatory expertise, and strategic vision are just as vital as speed on the track.