Hustler Words – In a surprising move, Red Bull Racing appointed Laurent Mekies as their new CEO, only the second in their 20-year history. But what makes Mekies unique isn’t his charisma, but his engineering background and focus on optimizing workflows with the same intensity as lap times.
Mekies’ unconventional approach is already making waves. He views every aspect of the team, from aerodynamics to cybersecurity, as a potential source of competitive advantage. This philosophy is evident in Red Bull’s partnership with 1Password, a cybersecurity company.
"We think we have the best people in the world," Mekies stated at Web Summit, "we are also going after the best experts in the world at what they do, and that’s how we pick our partners." In Formula 1, where milliseconds can determine victory, even the smallest gains matter. Mekies recognized that streamlining login processes and system access could save valuable time.
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Instead of simply minimizing security-related delays, Mekies challenged his team to find ways to gain speed through enhanced security. The result? A system that allows personnel to seamlessly access various platforms, from aerodynamics to vehicle dynamics, faster than before.
This relentless pursuit of marginal gains extends to all areas of the team. Mekies emphasizes the importance of reducing "noise" and maximizing time spent on core activities. He credits this approach, along with the dedication of Red Bull’s engineers, for the team’s improved performance in recent races.
Mekies’ journey to the top is just as remarkable. He’s worked in various roles, from Formula 3 to the FIA, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the sport. Despite his success, Mekies remains humble, attributing the team’s achievements to the talent and dedication of its members.
Looking ahead, Mekies acknowledges the challenges of building a new power unit for the 2026 season. However, he embraces the "crazy adventure" with Red Bull’s characteristic high-risk, high-reward approach. While he can’t guarantee a championship-winning car immediately, he’s confident that the team’s relentless pursuit of improvement will ultimately lead to success.
As Mekies puts it, Red Bull’s mission is simple: "Chasing lap times." But now, that chase extends beyond the racetrack and into every corner of the organization.
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