Red Bull Appoint Mercedes Talent Scout Gwen Lagrue to Lead Junior Driver Programme

Posted : 27 July 2026

Red Bull Racing have confirmed the appointment of renowned talent scout Gwen Lagrue as the new director of their junior driver programme, with the Frenchman set to join the Formula One team in 2027 after leaving Mercedes. The move strengthens Red Bull's long-term commitment to developing future racing stars and fills the leadership gap left by the departure of longtime motorsport adviser Helmut Marko.

Lagrue has built a strong reputation during his 11 years at Mercedes, where he played a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing several Formula One drivers. Among his greatest achievements was helping discover and guide current championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who joined Mercedes as an 11-year-old karting prodigy before rising rapidly through the junior ranks. George Russell, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon and reserve driver Frederik Vesti also benefited from Lagrue's guidance during their development.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies welcomed the appointment, describing Lagrue as one of Formula One's leading experts in driver development. He said the junior programme has always been central to Red Bull's success and expressed confidence that Lagrue's leadership would help identify and prepare the next generation of race winners and world champions. Mekies also paid tribute to Marko for building one of the sport's most successful talent pathways over the past two decades.

Speaking after the announcement, Lagrue said he felt the time was right to embrace a new challenge following more than a decade with Mercedes. He described Red Bull's academy as one of the most respected programmes in motorsport and said he was honoured to lead its next chapter while building on its legacy of producing elite Formula One drivers.

The Red Bull junior programme has produced several of Formula One's biggest names, including four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, eight-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo, current Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, as well as reigning champion Max Verstappen. Lagrue will now oversee the identification, development and promotion of young drivers capable of following that successful pathway.

Mercedes and Red Bull reached an agreement that allows Lagrue to leave his existing contract, while Mercedes will restructure its own highly regarded young-driver programme. Deputy team principal Bradley Lord is expected to take on a greater role as the Brackley-based outfit continues its extensive talent identification process across junior motorsport and karting.

Lagrue's departure represents a significant gain for Red Bull as the team looks to reinforce its long-term future by investing in driver development. His proven track record of spotting and mentoring elite talent is expected to play a key role in maintaining Red Bull's reputation as one of Formula One's leading talent factories.

Red Bull Appoint Mercedes Talent Scout Gwen Lagrue to Lead Junior Driver Programme

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