Red Bull set to appoint Mercedes talent scout Gwen Lagrue as new junior‑programme chief

Red Bull is nearing a major personnel move that would see Mercedes’ long‑time driver‑development boss Gwen Lagrue take over the Red Bull Junior Programme from retiring long‑time head Helmut Marko. Lagrue, credited with spotting and nurturing talents such as Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and Esteban Ocon, has been in advanced discussions with Red Bull, although neither team has issued an official statement. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said, “We’re in discussions with Gwen about the future, but nothing’s been agreed or decided yet,” confirming that Red Bull’s interest is serious. The appointment would represent a strategic coup for Red Bull, giving the team direct access to one of the sport’s most respected talent scouts and signalling a continued emphasis on developing young drivers as a core competitive advantage.

The move also underscores a broader reshuffle within the F1 paddock, as Red Bull seeks to secure its pipeline of future stars while Mercedes prepares to reorganise its own junior programme after Lagrue’s departure.