Photo: RacePictures

F1 Today | Red Bull Racing Director steps down, 'Ferrari faces Hamilton and Leclerc's exits'

21:30, 15 Dec

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byNorberto Mujica

Here's a round up of the best F1 stories of the day Monday 15 December 2025.

Red Bull Racing Director vacates position

Laurent Mekies on the pit wall - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Stefan Salzer has stepped down as director of Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology, according to records from the British Chamber of Commerce reviewed by GPblog.

Salzer, who is Global Head of HR at Red Bull GmbH, became a statutory director in August following the dismissal of Christian Horner after the British Grand Prix. His appointment was understood to be interim, serving to fulfil legal responsibilities until a permanent structure was in place.

Laurent Mekies was subsequently appointed director of both Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology, as well as Red Bull Powertrains. Salzer was officially relieved of his duties on November 26, leaving Mekies as the sole director.

Salzer joined Red Bull GmbH in 2007 after working at BP in Austria and had no motorsport background prior to his role at Red Bull.

Ferrari faces Hamilton and Leclerc departure risk, says Croft

Photo: RacePictures.

Sky Sports commentator David Croft has warned that Ferrari risks losing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc if the team fails to deliver a competitive car in 2026.

Croft reflected on the optimism surrounding Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, noting that expectations were high. However, Hamilton endured a difficult first season with the team, including four consecutive Q1 exits to wrap up a nightmare debut year, and expressions of frustration following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Croft attributed the struggles to an uncompetitive car and Hamilton not fully integrating with Ferrari’s structure. He stressed that responsibility lies with Ferrari to provide title-capable machinery.

Croft also highlighted that Leclerc has completed a fourth winless season in seven years. He concluded that another underperforming season could make it difficult for Ferrari to retain both drivers.

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