Red Bull Racing is set to appoint Gwen Lagrue as the new head of its driver development programme. The move signals a significant strategic shift for the Milton Keynes-based team, which has reportedly secured the highly-regarded Frenchman from rival Mercedes.
Lagrue has been the driver development advisor at Mercedes for several years. He is credited with overseeing the careers of drivers like George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, guiding them from junior categories into Formula 1 with the Brackley team.
His philosophy is noted for focusing on a small selection of drivers and providing long-term, loyal support. This approach contrasts sharply with Red Bull’s traditional junior programme, which became known for its high-pressure, results-driven environment under Helmut Marko.
The appointment represents a major change in direction for Red Bull’s talent pipeline. The team has produced world champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen but has also released numerous drivers from its programme over the years.
The handling of Liam Lawson’s career illustrates the difference in approaches. Lawson experienced a turbulent 2025 season, which included a brief promotion to the senior Red Bull team before a swift demotion back to the sister Racing Bulls outfit.
While Lawson was ultimately retained by Racing Bulls for the current 2026 season, the promotion and demotion cycle is characteristic of the previous Red Bull management style. A more nurturing approach, typical of Lagrue, would likely have prioritised stability for the driver.
The signing is a significant one for Red Bull, marking a clear intention to attract top talent in key organisational roles. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff recently confirmed that discussions about Lagrue’s future were taking place.
‘We’re in discussions with Gwen about the future, but nothing’s been agreed or decided yet. Gwen has built up a fantastic team.’
Lagrue’s expected arrival is seen as a move to secure the long-term future of Red Bull’s driver talent pool following the departure of Helmut Marko at the end of the 2025 season.
