Autosport and RaceFans have reported:

Laurent Mekies has extended his contract as Red Bull’s Formula 1 team principal through the end of 2031, securing at least six seasons in charge of the Austrian team. Red Bull announced the agreement on Oct. 14, 2026, describing it as a long-term contract extension and a vote of confidence in Mekies’ leadership.

The Frenchman joined Red Bull in July 2025, ending Christian Horner’s 20-year tenure as team boss. Mekies moved from sister team Racing Bulls, which he had taken over at the start of the 2024 season, after spending six years at Ferrari as sporting director and then racing director. He is 49.

The announcement follows a difficult opening to 2026 for Red Bull and a late improvement driven by continuing car upgrades. The team has won the last two grands prix, in Malaysia and Singapore, with Max Verstappen starting both from pole position. With six rounds remaining, Red Bull is seven points behind third-placed McLaren in the constructors’ standings.

RaceFans also described the team as having recovered under Mekies from a poor start to the previous season. Verstappen had been more than 100 points behind in the drivers’ championship but finished within two points of retaining his title, in one of the closest finishes to a world championship. In 2026, Red Bull is competing in its first season with power units of its own design, developed in conjunction with Ford.

“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing,” Mekies said. “I would like to thank Chalerm [Yoovidhya, shareholder], Mark [Mateschitz, shareholder], and Oliver [Mintzlaff, CEO], the entire team and everyone involved for the trust they have placed in the project.”

He said the team’s shared purpose made it special and that he felt privileged to work with its talented and committed people. “Together, with Pierre Wache’s and Ben Hodgkinson’s teams playing a central role in shaping our future, we have a strong platform for the years ahead,” Mekies said. “We genuinely believe this is only the beginning. As we look ahead, we will continue to embrace the principles that define us: being free in our thinking, fast in our actions and bold in our decisions.”

Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO, praised Mekies’ leadership since his return to the organization. “Laurent has demonstrated outstanding leadership since returning to the Red Bull family,” he said. “He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes our team successful.”

Mintzlaff said Mekies reflected the team’s values of courage, teamwork, determination and an unrelenting desire to compete at the highest level. “Continuity in leadership is a key ingredient for sustained success, and we are delighted that Laurent will continue to lead the team through the next chapter of our journey,” he said.

Verstappen also recently committed to Red Bull, signing in August a contract through the end of 2030. His previous deal was due to expire in 2028, and the extension ended speculation about his future. In 2027, the Dutch driver is set to partner Isack Hadjar, an impressive second-year driver who was confirmed last month.