Laurent Mekies makes thoughts on Christian Horner clear after replacing axed F1 boss

Laurent Mekies certainly has big shoes to fill as he prepares to take over from departing Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. The Brit, who has held the role since the team's formation in 2005, was sacked by Red Bull on Thursday morning, sending a shockwave across the world of Formula One.

Only one team principal has overseen more race wins than Horner, with his exit having brought to an end the longest active reign in the sport's history. It's the start of a new dawn for Red Bull, with the constructor in need of a boost following a dismal start to 2025.

There are plenty of pressing issues on replacement Mekies' to-do list, but the incoming Red Bull team principal isn't taking the opportunity for granted, having praised the work of his predecessor during his first interview as team principal. He said: "It still feels a bit unreal to be here and not to see him.

"It would be impossible to underestimate the size of the achievement that this team has had under 20 years of Christian's leadership. I met him 20 years ago when he was the youngest team principal in Formula 1 and it's unbelievable to see how he has turned this place to the level at which it is now, and on that journey, the many, many titles and wins. Christian is also the guy that, together with Helmut [Marko] and Oliver [Mintzlaff], brought me back into the Red Bull family two years ago. And my first thoughts are really for him today."

Mekies is making the step up from Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls, but comes in at a time when they're sitting fifth in the Constructors' Championship, with lead driver Max Verstappen trailing in the Drivers' standings. Outlining his plans for his first few weeks in charge, the new head honcho added: "The focus will really be at making sure that all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they are already the very best. And we'll be focusing on that, focusing on making sure that the Red Bull energy is flowing through the team.

"We are not underestimating the challenge ahead. Formula 1 is going to face probably the biggest change of regulations in its history. And it has a very particular taste for Red Bull as we go with our own power unit. So it's going to be an incredible challenge. The next few weeks will be dedicated to trying to meet as many of our people as possible, to listen to them, to try to understand this beautiful magic machine that is Red Bull Formula 1 and eventually find ways to contribute and to support."