Red Bull moves to hire Mercedes junior chief Gwen Lagrue

Red Bull is set to hire Mercedes junior driver programme chief Gwen Lagrue in a move aimed at strengthening its driver development operation, with the role described as similar to the one previously held by Helmut Marko. The move has not been finalized and no start date has been agreed, as Mercedes and Red Bull continue to negotiate Lagrue’s release from his contract.

Lagrue has led Mercedes’ junior programme since 2016 and played a central role in the development of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whom Mercedes signed at 11 and promoted to Formula 1 in 2025. Lagrue also helped support Esteban Ocon, Frederik Vesti and Alex Albon during their time in Mercedes’ driver programme. Before joining Mercedes, Lagrue ran Lotus’ junior program after being recruited in 2011 and helped bring through Ocon and Albon.

Neither Red Bull nor Mercedes has confirmed the move. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend that discussions were ongoing and that nothing had been agreed or decided. If completed, the appointment would add a highly regarded talent spotter to Red Bull’s junior pathway, with Lagrue expected to work alongside team principal Laurent Mekies as the team reshapes its driver recruitment structure.