Red Bull Racing has undergone significant changes in the year following Christian Horner’s departure as team principal in July 2025. The move ended a two-decade leadership era that saw the team establish itself as a dominant force in Formula 1®. Since then, Laurent Mekies has taken over the reins, steering the team through a period of evolution and ongoing challenges.
Horner’s exit came after a prolonged internal political struggle within Red Bull. Mekies’ approach has been evolutionary rather than revolutionary, retaining much of the successful 2022 personnel while introducing a more engineering-focused leadership style. This shift has been credited with addressing handling issues on Red Bull’s 2025 car, which helped Max Verstappen remain competitive against teams like McLaren.
Alongside leadership changes, Red Bull has developed its own power units through Red Bull Ford Powertrains, led by Ben Hodgkinson. Their V6 engine has been recognized by the FIA as the most powerful on the grid, resulting in a freeze on further upgrades. Red Bull contested this decision and requested a review, but the FIA upheld its ruling. Meanwhile, the team’s junior outfit, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), has seen promising performances from rookie Isack Hadjar, who secured a podium in Monaco that was later reassigned to Pierre Gasly.
Despite these developments, both Verstappen and Hadjar have faced challenges related to car balance and confidence. These issues have fueled speculation about Verstappen’s future with the team, although no definitive conclusions have been made. The team has also experienced notable personnel changes, including the departure of long-time advisor Helmut Marko and upcoming exits of race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren and Paul Monaghan to Cadillac.
Mekies remains focused on building the fastest car possible while maintaining Verstappen’s motivation to continue racing for Red Bull. The pressure on the team remains intense, reflecting the high expectations that come with their history of success. Red Bull’s approach since Horner’s removal reflects a careful balance between continuity and necessary adaptation amid evolving regulations and competitive dynamics.
Overall, Red Bull Racing’s first year post-Horner has been marked by steady progress and ongoing challenges. The team’s technical and leadership adjustments aim to sustain their competitiveness in the 2026 Formula 1® season, even as they navigate regulatory constraints and personnel changes. This period highlights the complexities of maintaining performance at the highest level in modern Formula 1®.
