Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes’ Driver Development Advisor, is set to join Red Bull as the new head of their driver development programme. This move marks a significant personnel shift between the two Formula 1 constructors. Lagrue has been a key figure in Mercedes’ junior talent pipeline since 2016.
During his tenure at Mercedes, Lagrue was instrumental in overseeing the junior careers of several notable drivers. These include current Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Esteban Ocon also progressed through the feeder ranks under Lagrue’s guidance.
Frederik Vesti, Mercedes’ reserve driver, also ascended to the F1 paddock with Lagrue’s support. Lagrue initially established Renault’s driver programme before moving to Mercedes.
For Red Bull, securing Lagrue’s services represents a significant acquisition. The team has been seeking a definitive successor to Helmut Marko, who retired as motorsport advisor in December 2025.
Red Bull’s junior driver programme has faced criticism in recent years for a perceived stagnation in promoting internal talent. Lagrue’s appointment signals a renewed strategic focus on driver development.
The move is also the first major signing under the leadership of Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s Team Principal. Mekies and Lagrue have a prior working relationship.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff confirmed ongoing discussions regarding Lagrue’s future. Wolff stated that ‘nothing’s been agreed or decided yet’ concerning his departure.
‘We’re in discussions with Gwen about the future, but nothing’s been agreed or decided yet,’ Wolff commented.
Wolff acknowledged Lagrue’s contribution, crediting him with building a ‘fantastic’ driver development team at Mercedes. Mercedes and Red Bull are currently negotiating the terms of Lagrue’s release from his existing contract.
The exact timeline for Lagrue’s integration into Red Bull’s operations remains unclear. Mercedes is expected to ensure a gardening leave period given the sensitive nature of talent scouting data.
This personnel transfer follows previous movements between the two teams. Red Bull has recruited numerous staff from Mercedes’ engine division for Red Bull Powertrains in recent years.
The news of Lagrue’s impending departure emerged on July 19, 2026. This occurred shortly after Kimi Antonelli secured his sixth victory of the current 2026 campaign at the Belgian Grand Prix.
