Mercedes' top talent scout shares emotional farewell message ahead of Red Bull move

Just a few days ago, the Milton Keynes-based team completed the signing of one of the most highly regarded talent scouts in the paddock, the man who discovered and helped launch the careers of numerous drivers who went on to achieve success in Formula 1 and beyond. At Red Bull, he is now set to inherit the daunting responsibility of succeeding Helmut Marko.

"The Red Bull Junior Programme is one of the most respected and successful driver development programmes in motorsport. It has produced some of the greatest talents F1 has ever seen, and it is a real honour to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of people and help shape its next chapter. I'm looking forward to working closely with Laurent as well as the entire Team and I am very thankful for this opportunity," he said of his new chapter.

On social media, Lagrue shared a photo alongside a very young Kimi Antonelli, now the standout product of Mercedes' junior programme, accompanied by a lengthy caption in which he reflected on his 11-year journey with the team and thanked everyone who had been part of it.