Laurent Mekies: Red Bull’s ‘perfect fit' as team principal, say F1 drivers

Laurent Mekies Receives Widespread Praise as Red Bull Racing’s New Team Principal

Laurent Mekies, the newly appointed team principal of Red Bull Racing, has drawn widespread praise from current and former collaborators for his leadership style and ability to connect with drivers. The 48-year-old Frenchman, recently promoted to fill the void left by Christian Horner’s surprising departure, appears to be settling into the role with high expectations.

Mekies’ move to the top of the Red Bull hierarchy comes after a tenure as team principal at Racing Bulls, where he earned the reputation of an effective and respected leader. His appointment, announced two weeks ago, follows his previous stints as deputy team principal at Ferrari and a key figure in the FIA. Mekies now faces the challenge of leading one of Formula 1’s most dominant teams and maintaining their competitive edge—not least managing the dynamics surrounding reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

Sainz: 'The Perfect Fit'

Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams but who worked closely with Mekies during their time at Ferrari, offered high praise, calling him “the perfect fit” for Red Bull. The Spaniard commended Mekies’ professionalism and unique ability to create a strong rapport with drivers.

"I think he's an extremely good professional," said Sainz. "In my time at Ferrari, when he was there, I found someone who was incredibly hard-working. He understood the driver very well. He had a special feeling and communication with drivers, which makes things very comfortable and open.

"From his time in the FIA, to Ferrari, to VCARB [Racing Bulls], and now Red Bull, he has plenty of experience to lead one of the biggest teams in Formula 1. Honestly, he’s the perfect fit for that team. Congrats to him—he probably deserves that step up. I think he’s going to enjoy it."

Lawson: 'Very, Very Good at Leading the Team'

Liam Lawson, currently at Racing Bulls after a brief stint with Red Bull earlier this season, echoed Sainz's sentiments. Lawson hailed Mekies as an incredible motivator and someone who has a knack for uniting teams under a shared vision.

"Something that Laurent has been very, very good at is leading the team," Lawson said. "He keeps the motivation high and the work ethic strong across the board. He worked very, very hard and often set the example—he’s always one of the first to arrive on a Thursday before a race weekend. He’s been a big influence for us."

When asked whether Mekies’ presence at Red Bull could open the door for Lawson to return to the senior team in Yuki Tsunoda’s place, the Kiwi downplayed the speculation.

"Honestly, at this point, it’s hard to say," Lawson added. “Laurent brings a lot to the team, and I enjoyed working with him. But I think right now, it’s about seeing what he can achieve with Red Bull."

Tsunoda Adjusting to Mekies' Leadership

Yuki Tsunoda, struggling to find consistent form since replacing Lawson at Red Bull, cautiously welcomed Mekies’ arrival. The Japanese driver acknowledged that it’s still early days but expressed optimism about his pre-existing relationship with the Frenchman from their time at Racing Bulls.

"He’s just joined in the middle of the season, so I don't think he’s had time to really make changes yet," Tsunoda remarked. "But we already have a good relationship, so I don’t have to adapt to anything new. It feels familiar, even if it’s now a different jersey.

"In the next few races, I think he’ll assess the team and decide what’s possible."

Mekies inherits the helm of a Red Bull team under intense scrutiny as they navigate a season of highs and challenges. While Verstappen continues to dominate on track, managing team dynamics and ensuring a strong finish for Red Bull is no small challenge. With drivers like Sainz, Lawson, and Tsunoda speaking highly of his leadership, Mekies appears to have the support—and the credentials—to thrive.

The coming races will be Mekies’ first true test as he steps into the spotlight of one of motorsport’s most demanding roles. For now, the consensus is clear: Laurent Mekies is, as Carlos Sainz put it, "the perfect fit."

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