Johnny Herbert believes Red Bull’s Mercedes raid could be laying the groundwork for a future without Max Verstappen – Red Bull’s decision to recruit long-serving Mercedes talent chief Gwen Lagrue has prompted fresh debate over Max Verstappen’s long-term future, with former Formula 1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert suggesting the appointment could serve two purposes.
While Herbert believes the move demonstrates Red Bull’s determination to rebuild around its star driver, he also argues it may represent contingency planning should Verstappen eventually leave the team.
Lagrue, who spent many years overseeing Mercedes’ junior driver programme, will take charge of the Red Bull Junior Team from the 2027 season. His arrival comes during a period of significant change at Red Bull, following the departures of several high-profile figures and amid ongoing speculation linking Verstappen with a future move to Mercedes.
Red Bull continues rebuilding after key departures
The Milton Keynes-based outfit has undergone substantial restructuring over the past few years. A number of influential figures have left the organisation, including Helmut Marko, Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Will Courtenay and Rob Marshall.
Lagrue arrives with an impressive reputation after helping develop several young drivers during his time at Mercedes, most notably current Formula 1 championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli. His expertise in identifying and nurturing talent makes him one of the most respected figures in the junior driver system.
Herbert believes Red Bull has secured an important addition to its future plans.
“It is a positive development. If you know Lagrue, you know that he understands very well what is needed to get the best out of drivers. He also understands very well how that works within a team environment. It is about creating the right harmony, so that a driver feels that everything around him is arranged in a positive way.”
Herbert says appointment also sends a message to Verstappen
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has remained a major talking point throughout the 2026 season, with Mercedes continuing to be linked with the four-time world champion despite Red Bull’s public confidence that he will remain with the team.
Herbert believes appointing someone of Lagrue’s calibre demonstrates Red Bull is actively strengthening its structure rather than standing still.
“A team is always aware that when they have one of the best drivers we have ever seen, they must show him that they are doing everything they can to bring together the right ingredients to rebuild the team. They must show that they are not sitting back and that they are not waiting for something to happen.”
The former Grand Prix winner suggested the appointment is designed to reassure Verstappen that Red Bull remains committed to building a championship-winning environment despite the organisational changes of recent years.
Could Red Bull already be planning for life after Verstappen?
Herbert also believes there is another interpretation of the timing behind Lagrue’s arrival.
“The appointment of Gwen Lagrue could be a sign of the departure of Max Verstappen.”
If Verstappen were to leave, Herbert expects Red Bull’s focus would quickly shift towards developing the next generation of talent, with Isack Hadjar among those who could benefit most from Lagrue’s expertise.
“Even if Max has left, closed a deal, or is on his way out, you have to shift the focus back to someone like Hadjar. You have to give him the right feeling within the team to get the best out of him. You can look at Lagrue’s appointment in two ways, but a team always takes into account that a driver might leave for something better.”
While there is no indication Red Bull expects Verstappen to depart imminently, Herbert believes Lagrue’s recruitment provides both reassurance for the Dutchman and a long-term succession plan should Formula 1’s driver market take another dramatic turn. With Mercedes still regularly linked to Verstappen, Red Bull’s latest appointment may ultimately prove to be one of its most significant strategic moves ahead of the 2027 regulations.
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