Laurent Mekies: Red Bull’s Middle Kingdom and Ferrari’s Departure
The Great Escape from Maranello
In Formula 1, loyalty can be fleeting. Laurent Mekies, at 48, has moved from Ferrari to Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri). His departure from Ferrari, where he was Deputy Team Principal and Racing Director, involved some drama.
The move was announced in April 2023, but delayed by contractual issues. Ferrari, reluctant to lose someone privy to their strategies, initially resisted Mekies’ release. Red Bull found itself in negotiations, with Ferrari reportedly seeking Red Bull technical staff in exchange for Mekies.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, addressed the situation:
Will there be a hostage exchange for Laurent Mekies? Well, we don’t have any hostages. In terms of personnel moving to Ferrari, certainly at a senior or medium level there’s nothing planned.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Watch Horner’s full comments on the Mekies situation here
The Return to Faenza: A Homecoming
For Mekies, joining Racing Bulls is a return to familiar ground. His F1 journey began at Minardi in Faenza, Italy, which became Toro Rosso and then AlphaTauri. He spent over a decade there before moving to the FIA and Ferrari.
His return to Faenza as team principal is a full-circle moment. Mekies acknowledged the emotional aspect of the move:
It’s always going to be very difficult for a Formula 1 fan or car fan to leave Ferrari because of what it represents. But the reality is that it’s completely unique to be given the possibility to be associated with a project that effectively we look at as if it was a new team.
Laurent Mekies, Racing Bulls Team Principal
See Mekies discuss his new role at Racing Bulls
Red Bull’s Middle Kingdom: Ambition and Reality
Racing Bulls, under Mekies, aims to establish its own identity, moving beyond being just a Red Bull Racing feeder team. However, the challenges are significant. Mekies inherits a team with fewer resources compared to the top teams.
Mekies is realistic about the task:
We are nearly 600 people between Faenza and Bicester but it is still a significant step smaller compared to what these guys are doing. Yes, the budget cap has helped pull things together but there are still a lot of things that need to be done.
Laurent Mekies
The goal is to compete with McLaren, Aston Martin, and Alpine. Mekies’ Ferrari experience will be crucial in navigating this path.
Ferrari’s Exodus: A Sign of Deeper Issues?
Mekies’ departure is part of a larger exodus from Ferrari, including Mattia Binotto and David Sanchez. While Fred Vasseur downplays these departures, the trend is noticeable.
Ferrari is struggling to retain key personnel due to internal politics and high expectations. Mekies’ move to Racing Bulls, offering more freedom, reflects the situation at Maranello.
Explore more about Ferrari’s internal struggles
Mekies’ Legacy and Future: A Man in Demand
At 48, Mekies is highly regarded, known for his meticulous leadership. His time at the FIA as Safety Director and Deputy Race Director enhanced his reputation.
Mekies remains humble:
You don’t dream about becoming a team boss at first. At first, I still think that being a race engineer is the best job in the world.
Laurent Mekies
His success at Racing Bulls will define his legacy. The pressure is high, but so is the opportunity to transform the team.
