Securing the Win

When leadership changes mid-season, pressure takes on a new meaning. In this premiere episode of Securing the Win, host Calum Nicholas, former Red Bull Racing mechanic, sits down with Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, to explore what it takes to lead a historic racing team through change without losing speed.

From stepping into one of motorsport’s most high-stakes roles to managing innovation, morale, and accountability under pressure, Mekies reveals how Formula 1® teams adapt when everything is on the line — and what business leaders can learn from a culture built on precision, trust, and resilience.

Show Notes

Read the full companion blog for this episode at 1Password.com.

Episode Notes

00:00 — Introduction
Calum Nicholas welcomes listeners to Securing the Win, setting the stage for how leadership, innovation, and cybersecurity intersect in Formula 1.

01:45 — Taking the Reins Mid-Season
Laurent Mekies discusses stepping into the CEO and Team Principal role mid-season and how he approached earning trust in a team defined by excellence.

05:30 — Leadership Through Change
How Laurent quickly learned the culture of Oracle Red Bull Racing and balanced short-term performance with long-term transformation.

10:15 — Building Morale and Mindset
The importance of energy, communication, and shared purpose in keeping a world-class team performing at its peak.

15:50 — Learning from Failure
Why accepting mistakes and fostering accountability fuels both innovation and team growth.

21:20 — Engineering Resilience
Laurent’s perspective on what “resilience” truly means in Formula 1 — and how that mindset translates beyond the track.

25:40 — The Human Side of Security
A look at how trust, collaboration, and secure systems underpin every competitive advantage in modern racing.

29:00 — Looking Ahead to 2026
Balancing the pursuit of future innovation with the relentless demands of the present season.

33:00 — Closing Thoughts
Laurent reflects on what defines great leadership under pressure and what he’s learned from the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

More ways to engage with the show and 1Password:

The Securing the Win podcast is produced by 1Password and Motorsport Studios in collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing.

What is Securing the Win?

Securing the Win takes listeners inside how one of the most successful and advanced teams in Formula 1® protects its competitive edge, where performance excellence meets digital resilience. Hosted by former Red Bull Racing mechanic Calum Nicholas, the series brings together Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers, engineers, and technology leaders to explore what it takes to stay secure and win at the highest level of competition. Through exclusive stories of leadership, innovation, and cybersecurity in a high-performance culture, each episode uncovers how trusted access and human performance drive results both on the track and in the digital world. From behind-the-scenes F1® moments to lessons every business can use, Securing the Win shows that true speed comes from the strength of systems, teams, and trust.