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Red Bull Poaches Top Mercedes Talent Developer
19 Jul
Summary
- A key Mercedes talent scout is moving to Red Bull.
- The scout discovered young talent like Kimi Antonelli.
- This move comes after Helmut Marko's retirement.
A key figure in Mercedes' highly effective young-driver programme, Frenchman Gwen Lagrue, is reportedly leaving the team to join Formula 1 rivals Red Bull. Lagrue, who has been with Mercedes for a decade, is credited with discovering talents such as Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. He is expected to lead Red Bull's driver development programme, stepping into a role similar to that previously held by Helmut Marko.
The move is seen as a significant coup for Red Bull, especially following Marko's retirement. Negotiations are currently underway between Mercedes and Red Bull to finalize Lagrue's release from his existing contract. It is unclear when he will officially begin his new role.
Lagrue's departure may lead to a minor reshuffling of Mercedes' existing talent identification and development structure. The German team has a comprehensive system for scouting talent from karting upwards. Notable successes under his tenure include Esteban Ocon and Frederik Vesti, alongside Antonelli, who is currently dominating his second F1 season.
