Christian Horner’s sacking from Red Bull sent shockwaves through Formula 1. But his replacement Laurent Mekies could be the calm presence the team needs amid what promises to be an intense period of scrutiny.

Laurent Mekies, born April 28, 1977, in Tours, France, has a strong academic and technical foundation. According to The Sun, he has a degree in mechanical engineering from ESTACA in Paris and a Master’s degree from Loughborough University in the UK.

Now Red Bull has confirmed that Laurent Mekies, formerly the Racing Director at Ferrari and the Team Principal at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior team, is taking over for Horner.