Red Bull targets Mercedes junior program head Lagrue.

      "We are currently in discussions with Gwen regarding the future."

      Red Bull is allegedly attempting to lure the individual responsible for Mercedes’ successful young driver program as it works to revamp the structure previously led by the now-retired Dr. Helmut Marko. Reports from De Telegraaf and others indicate that Gwen Lagrue is in negotiations to leave Mercedes and head Red Bull’s renowned junior program. However, he is still under contract with Mercedes, and the Frenchman is said to be discussing the terms of his potential exit.

      When initially asked about these reports, a Mercedes spokesperson remarked that the team "never comments on stories or rumors." However, Toto Wolff was directly questioned after the Belgian GP regarding the individual who played a key role in recognizing and developing championship frontrunner Kimi Antonelli. Upon hearing the breaking news, Wolff responded with a smile: "Really?" He confirmed that discussions are indeed underway.

      "Yes, we are in discussions with Gwen about the future, but nothing has been settled yet and we have not finalized an agreement," stated the Mercedes team principal. "Gwen has assembled an excellent team."

      Lagrue has spent nearly ten years overseeing Mercedes’ junior operation, with Antonelli and George Russell being two of the program’s most notable graduates. Nonetheless, Wolff emphasizes that the structure encompasses more than just one person. "We have seven, eight, or nine individuals making up the junior program, along with several junior drivers."

      He also mentioned that Mercedes is restructuring roles following Bradley Lord’s promotion to deputy team principal. "Now that Bradley is advancing to deputy team principal, we need to address this matter. We want to tackle this alongside Gwen."

      If an agreement is reached between the competing teams, Lagrue is expected to be able to join Red Bull in 2027. His recruitment would be significant for Red Bull in the wake of Marko’s exit, as the Austrian previously managed one of Formula 1’s most successful driver academies. Notable drivers such as Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Isack Hadjar, and others have all come through Red Bull’s development system.

      Hadjar stated to RTBF at Spa: "If I hadn’t been a part of Red Bull, I would never have made it to F1. That’s the harsh truth." Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman concurred that support from manufacturers has become increasingly crucial. "It's very challenging without it," the Haas driver noted. "Unfortunately, we’re in a time when the sport is extremely expensive, and without the backing of a manufacturer, it becomes increasingly hard to reach the highest level."