Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, replacing Christian Horner, who was sacked with immediate effect on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, after a 20-year tenure. The managerial reshuffle also sees Alan Permane promoted from Racing Director to Team Principal at Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, filling the void left by Mekies. The announcement, made following a challenging 2025 season for Red Bull, marks a new era for the Milton Keynes-based outfit and its junior squad.
Mekies, a French engineer with over two decades of Formula 1 experience, steps into the high-pressure role at Red Bull Racing after serving as Team Principal of Racing Bulls since early 2024. His appointment comes amid a turbulent campaign for Red Bull, with the team struggling in fourth place in the constructors’ championship and facing speculation about the future of star driver Max Verstappen. Mekies, who previously held roles at Ferrari, Toro Rosso, and the FIA, is tasked with revitalizing Red Bull’s championship ambitions. “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO],” Mekies said in a statement. “It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.”
The decision to replace Horner, who led Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships since 2005, follows a year of internal controversies and declining performance. A Red Bull spokesperson confirmed the change, stating, “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday, 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.” No official reason for Horner’s dismissal was provided, though Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle reported that Horner told him “no reason was given” for the move.
As Mekies transitions to Red Bull Racing, Alan Permane, a seasoned Formula 1 stalwart, takes the reins at Racing Bulls. Permane, who joined the Faenza-based team as Sporting Director in 2024 after a long stint with Renault/Alpine, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I feel very honored to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver [Mintzlaff, Red Bull managing director] and Helmut [Marko, team advisor] for the trust they have shown in me,” Permane said. “I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.” Mekies endorsed Permane’s promotion, noting, “Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”
Racing Bulls, meanwhile, has shown promising progress under Mekies’ leadership, consistently scoring points in the 2025 season. Permane’s deep technical expertise and familiarity with the team position him well to build on this foundation. The managerial changes reflect Red Bull’s swift response to a crisis, with both Mekies and Permane assuming their roles effective immediately as the teams prepare for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix on July 25-27.