Mercedes driver scout Gwen Lagrue to join Red Bull as Helmut Marko replacement

Mercedes driver scout Gwen Lagrue, the Frenchman involved in discovering Kimi Antonelli, is leaving the team to join rivals Red Bull, [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cvg7kdnv4p2o) reports.

Lagrue, 50, is to take up a new role leading Red Bull's driver development programme, essentially as a replacement for Helmut Marko, who retired from his long-time role as Red Bull's motorsport adviser at the end of last year.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies and Lagrue himself declined to comment when approached by BBC Sport. Mercedes initially did the same, but after the Belgian Grand Prix, Toto Wolff said: "We're in discussions with Gwen about the future, but nothing's been agreed or decided yet. Gwen has built up a fantastic team, we're about seven, eight or nine people that are running the junior programme. With Bradley stepping up as a deputy principal, these things need to be carved out now. We want to do it together with Gwen."

It is unclear when Lagrue will be free to take up his new role. Mercedes and Red Bull are negotiating an agreement for his release from his existing contract as driver development adviser to the Mercedes F1 team.

Lagrue has worked for Mercedes for a decade. Russell was the first signing for the team following his appointment, and Antonelli was signed when he was an 11-year-old karting prospect. The 19-year-old Italian is dominating his second F1 season, having won six of 10 grands prix and leading the championship by 45 points from Lewis Hamilton after the Belgian Grand Prix.

Sources

• BBC Sport — Mercedes driver scout Lagrue joining Red Bull: https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cvg7kdnv4p2o