Laurent Mekies has signed a long-term contract extension to stay as Purple Bull’s CEO and Staff Principal, lasting via the 2031 season.
The French engineer was promoted from Racing Bulls in July 2025 and led the Milton Keynes-based outfit via a difficult begin to this yr, which noticed them drop behind their rivals below the brand new laws.
Nevertheless, their constant work over the course of 2026 – guided by Mekies – lastly paid off as Max Verstappen secured back-to-back victories in Malaysia and Singapore, bringing Purple Bull again into competition for normal wins.
With the Dutchman and his crew mate Isack Hadjar each receiving contract renewals in latest months, the announcement of Mekies’ new deal ensures consistency for the crew heading into future seasons.
“I’m extremely proud to proceed this journey with Oracle Purple Bull Racing, and I want to thank Chalerm [Yoovidhya], Mark [Mateschitz], and Oliver [Mintzlaff], all the crew, and everybody concerned for the belief they’ve positioned within the challenge,” mentioned Mekies.
“What makes this crew particular is the way in which everybody comes collectively in pursuit of the identical aim, and I really feel privileged to work alongside such a gifted and dedicated group on daily basis.
“Collectively, with Pierre Wache’s and Ben Hodgkinson’s groups enjoying a central function in shaping our future, now we have a robust platform for the years forward, and we genuinely consider that is solely the start.
“As we glance forward, we’ll proceed to embrace the rules that outline us: being free in our pondering, quick in our actions and daring in our choices.”
Purple Bull shareholders Yoovidhya and Mateschitz added: “The power of Purple Bull has all the time come from its folks and from creating an atmosphere the place gifted people can obtain extraordinary issues collectively.
“Laurent has performed an important function in guiding the crew via an vital interval of transition whereas sustaining the aggressive spirit and the Purple Bull rules that outline us. This extension displays our confidence in his management and our shared perception within the long-term imaginative and prescient of the crew. We’re formidable about what lies forward and we’re dedicated to constructing on this momentum collectively.”
Mintzlaff, CEO Company Tasks and Investments Purple Bull, commented: “Laurent has demonstrated excellent management since returning to the Purple Bull household. He combines technical experience, strategic pondering, and a deep understanding of what makes our crew profitable.
“Simply as importantly, he embodies the values and mentality that outline the Purple Bull method: braveness, teamwork, dedication, and an unrelenting want to compete on the highest degree. Continuity in management is a key ingredient for sustained success, and we’re delighted that Laurent will proceed to steer the crew via the following chapter of our journey.”
