Behind the scenes of Formula 1 recorded an important movement, involving two of the main teams on the grid. According to BBC Sport, Red Bull Racing is close to hiring Gwen Lagrue, responsible for Mercedes’ driver development program for over a decade.
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The possible arrival of the Frenchman comes months after Helmut Marko’s departure at the end of the 2025 season. Although there is no set date for the conclusion of the agreement, the teams are negotiating the terms to release Lagrue from her current contract.
In her career at Mercedes, Lagrue was an important figure in identifying and developing various talents. Among the names associated with her work are George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, the current leader of the Formula 1 championship.
Mercedes did not comment on the matter when approached, but the British publication states that talks between the parties are ongoing. There is still no confirmation on when the executive might start her activities at Red Bull.
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This hiring would make sense within the philosophy adopted by Red Bull over the years. Red Bull Racing’s young driver program has become one of the main references in the category, having revealed drivers who later joined the main team.
With the departure of the team’s former consultant, Marko, at the end of 2025, a gap opened in one of the most strategic areas of the organization. The former consultant was for decades the main figure linked to driver development within Red Bull’s structure.
If the negotiation is concluded, Lagrue will bring to Milton Keynes the experience accumulated in more than ten years at Mercedes, something that will be extremely important for the future of Red Bull Racing.
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