Laurent Mekies has admitted it “feels unreal” to replace Christian Horner in his first interview since landing the role of Red Bull team principal. The 48-year-old Frenchman has been promoted from Red Bull ’s sister squad Racing Bulls to takeover from Horner, who was sacked with immediate effect after 20 years in the role earlier this week.

New Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has revealed his attention will be on maximising the abilities within the team that

New Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has described his first day at the helm of the team as an “unreal” moment.

Laurent Mekies replaces Christian Horner as the new team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing — but who is he?

Frenchman Laurent Mekies got down to work as Red Bull team principal on Thursday, a day after replacing Christian Horner, and recognised big challenges ahead for the once-dominant former champions.

With his distinctive grey locks, moustache, goatee, and soul patch, Mekies brings an air of Albert Einstein about him - and you need some of his intellect to survive in this sport.

In the wake of Red Bull's bombshell decision to sack Christian Horner this week, it was easy to miss the name of the man replacing him: Laurent Mekies.