We have just three weeks to go until the first race of the season in Bahrain.

Welcome everyone, today 13 of 30 days of beyond the grid,

with me Tom Clarkson.

And today we're hearing from one of the unsung heroes of the paddock, an F1 talent guru who

scouted the likes of George Russell, Esteban Ocon and Alex Albonne during their carting years. Gwen LeGru is in charge of Mercedes Junior Driver

program and last year the Frenchman told me what he looks for in young races. I had the privilege to witness a fantastic generation at that time because every weekend I was watching

Maxwell Stapun, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasley, George Russell, Esteban,

Ocon, they were all racing together. It was an absolutely unique period of time in Gokat.

Such a generation fighting in front of me. Anyone could pick a young superstar at that time.

What do you look for in a 10 year old, a 12 year old, is it all about speed in those

cutting days?

No, absolutely not, because of course it's part of what we are looking for, but when I'm going on a go-car race, I'm following, let's say, the top 10 drivers or some drivers into the top 10 or top 15 and then I'm

monitoring during an entire season what they are doing and whatever are doing it. Wait or dry or if it's super hot or cold or and I'm more focused on how consistent they are, how they are interacting with their team, with their mechanic, how they will

manage the race.

And if I take for example Kimi Antonelli with one of four young drivers, the way at 11 years old he was able to read the race how he was defending, how he was attacking.

He was not always the most competitive one in mini, but he was always there,

always in the top five, wet, dry, wind, whatever you want.

He was always always there, and he was extremely clever for such a young age.

I have never seen anyone as clever as this kid at this age.

What are the telltale signs that they are a future champion?

Okay, they're quick and consistent, but if a young driver was sitting the other side of the table like I am to you now,

what would impress you in terms of how they talk, how they act, how they interact with you.

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