Ford Motorsport Director Mark Rushbrook expresses “full respect” for former team principal Christian Horner’s role, but believes Laurent Mekies is better suited
Red Bull will start the 2026 Formula 1 season with its own engines, developed in collaboration with Ford. This partnership has its roots in the era of former team boss Christian Horner. His successor, Laurent Mekies, has now taken the helm.
A change that apparently also suited Ford motorsport boss Mark Rushbrook. Although the American has “full respect” for Horner’s role in establishing the Red Bull-Ford partnership, he is convinced that Mekies’ engineering background offers additional value.
In Red Bull’s official communication, the Frenchman’s wealth of experience was even cited as one of the main reasons for his promotion. “I personally believe it helps because he has a better understanding of what is ultimately needed to deliver the car,” Rushbrook said in an interview with Motorsport.com.
“Of course, he doesn’t get into the technical details himself, but he can provide support to Pierre [Wache], Pedals [Paul Monaghan], and everyone else. If they need help or a project needs to be approved, Laurent can see it, understand it, and give them the support they need.”
Why an engineering background is helpful
This phenomenon fits in with a larger trend in Formula 1, as more and more engineers are now taking on leadership roles. In a way, even Rushbrook’s own leadership at Ford Performance is similar to Mekies’ at Red Bull.
“In many ways, it’s actually similar to my situation,” the American grins. “Maybe it’s not the best comparison, but in terms of Ford Racing, I can now lead this team with an engineering background.”
“And I think that helps me in what I do and also in understanding what the team needs to do. Of course, we rely on great partners in marketing and communications to make the most of everything, but as a racing team, it definitely helps.”
Ford had “great confidence” in Laurent Mekies
The transition from Horner to Mekies was made easier by the fact that the Frenchman was already familiar with Ford through his previous role as team principal at Racing Bulls. The sister team based in Faenza is also relying on Red Bull Powertrains in the new Formula 1 era.
“We knew Laurent from his time at VCARB and already had a relationship with him as we prepared for 2026,” says Rushbrook. “Based on that, we had great confidence in what he was doing there. When the decision was made to bring Laurent to Red Bull, we were convinced of his personality as a leader and engineer.”
“And I think he also came with the right attitude,” adds Ford’s motorsport boss. “He believed in the team and what they could achieve. He was there to support them and help them reach their full potential.”
Rushbrook expresses “full respect” for Horner
Nevertheless, Horner is not left unmentioned. The Brit was one of the strongest advocates of the Red Bull engine project because, after the experiences with Renault and Honda’s sudden decision to officially withdraw, he no longer wanted to be dependent on others.
Horner was also firmly convinced that potentially better integration of the power unit into the chassis would bring long-term benefits to the team. “He deserves great respect for what he has built over 20 years at the Red Bull team, with the championships and also the technical depth that has been created there,” Rushbrook praises.
“And yes, he was the one in our very first discussions. It was a very direct relationship that was built right to the top of our company—and that’s part of what helped us get into the sport in the way we felt was right. So, full respect for everything he’s done in his career.”