Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies to Miss Opening Bahrain Pre-Season Test

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies will not attend the first official Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain this week, remaining at the team's base after undergoing a minor routine medical procedure. The Frenchman is expected to maintain close contact with the track team and plans to return for the second test session later this month.

Why it matters:

The absence of the team principal during a critical testing period, where teams gather their first real-world data on new cars, is a significant operational challenge. While not expected to derail Red Bull's program, it tests the team's depth and contingency planning as they begin their title defense and the integration of a new power unit.

The details:

• Mekies, 48, has stayed at the team's headquarters following a minor, planned medical intervention. His condition is not reported to be serious.
• The first three-day test runs from February 11-13 at the Bahrain International Circuit.
• Red Bull's testing program is set to continue under the direction of other senior team figures on the ground.
• The team arrives with positive data from a private shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in late January, where the new RB22 and its power unit showed strong reliability.
  • Reserve driver Isack Hadjar completed 158 laps despite a minor crash during the session.
  • Reigning champion Max Verstappen logged 145 laps over the same test.

What's next:

Mekies is anticipated to rejoin the team trackside for the second and final pre-season test, also in Bahrain, from February 18-20. All eyes will be on Red Bull's performance and reliability over the next six days of testing as the grid forms its early pecking order ahead of the 2026 season opener.