Mercedes driver scout Gwen Lagrue, 50, is leaving to join Red Bull as head of their driver development programme, replacing Helmut Marko who retired. Red Bull principal Laurent Mekies, Mercedes, and Lagrue declined comment. Negotiations ongoing for his release.

At Mercedes, Lagrue's role will be filled by reshuffle. Bradley Lord promoted to deputy team principal. Mercedes has up to 10 people scouting junior categories. Lagrue worked there a decade; first signing was George Russell who approached Toto Wolff with a PowerPoint. Russell progressed through Williams to Mercedes in 2022.

Mercedes signed Kimi Antonelli at 11; he replaced Lewis Hamilton in 2025. The 19-year-old leads championship with 5 races won, 6 pole positions in 10 grands prix, leading Russell by 25 points before Belgian GP. Other successes: Esteban Ocon, Frederik Vesti, and Alex Albon whom Lagrue supported after Marko dropped him in 2016.