Herbert: Lagrue at Red Bull Signals Post-Verstappen Preparation?

There’s a fresh wave of intrigue sweeping through the Formula 1 paddock. Red Bull has managed to lure Gwen Lagrue away from Mercedes—the man widely credited as the architect behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s meteoric rise. The move has immediately sparked a burning question: is Milton Keynes quietly bracing for life without Max Verstappen?

Johnny Herbert, former F1 driver, certainly thinks so. In his view, Lagrue’s appointment is more than just filling the void left by Helmut Marko. It’s a calculated step toward cultivating the next Verstappen—a safety net should the Dutchman ever decide to walk away.

“Knowing Gwen Lagrue, he has an excellent understanding of what it takes to bring out the best in drivers,” Herbert told Casinostugan. “A team always knows, when you have one of the best drivers ever seen, you have to show Max Verstappen you’re doing everything possible to put the right ingredients in place. You can’t just sit back and wait.”

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Lagrue isn’t just a driver manager; he’s a talent development specialist. His track record with Antonelli at Mercedes proves he knows how to shape raw potential into F1-ready competitors. For Red Bull, that expertise could be pivotal in securing their long-term dominance.

“Even if Max had already left—had a deal done and was on his way out—you’d still need to focus on someone like Isack Hadjar, giving him the right feelings within the team to get the best out of him,” Herbert added. “Lagrue’s appointment could be interpreted in two ways. But a team is always aware that a driver might potentially leave for better opportunities.”

This speculation comes at a time when Red Bull’s 2025 form has been anything but dominant. If Verstappen were to depart, Lagrue would play a critical role in ensuring that seat doesn’t become a black hole. His experience could bridge the gap between the junior program and the senior team.

So, is this the beginning of the end? Or simply a smart move to stay competitive no matter what? One thing’s for sure: Red Bull isn’t sitting idle. They’re investing in the future, whatever Verstappen decides.