Red Bull has hired Gwen Lagrue from Mercedes to lead its Formula 1 junior programme. The move fills the role left vacant by Helmut Marko's retirement at the end of last year. Both teams issued statements confirming the change.
Mercedes announced Lagrue's departure on its social media channels after reports emerged during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. The team thanked him for developing drivers including George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Red Bull confirmed the appointment shortly afterward. Lagrue will serve as director of the Red Bull Junior Programme and report to team principal Laurent Mekies.
"Gwen is one of the very best talent developers in F1," Mekies said. "The Red Bull Junior Programme has always been a cornerstone of Red Bull's success."
Lagrue described the move as an exciting new chapter after eleven years at Mercedes. He called the Red Bull programme one of the most respected in motorsport.