Franz Tost recently stepped down as the team principal of AlphaTauri after 18 years, marking the end of an era for the well-respected team leader. Tost’s dedication to racing was evident until the very end, as he remained focused on the team’s performance and his goal of finishing seventh in the constructors’ championship during his final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, AlphaTauri ultimately fell short of their target and finished in eighth place.
Throughout his tenure, Tost played a significant role in developing and nurturing young talent, with drivers like Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Pierre Gasly benefiting from his guidance. Tost’s contributions were honored by his former drivers, including Verstappen, who attributed his success to Tost’s support.
Looking ahead, Tost will continue to work as a consultant for Red Bull, while Laurent Mekies, who previously served as the chief engineer of the team, will take over as the new team principal in the new year. Mekies will oversee the team alongside Peter Bayer, who joined as chief executive in June. Both Mekies and Bayer praised Tost’s dedication to racing and emphasized the importance of maintaining a straightforward and non-political approach in the team’s management.
Despite stepping away from his role as team principal, Tost expressed his commitment to keeping a close eye on the team’s performance, and he plans to continue following Formula 1 and other racing events closely. With his legacy as a dedicated and respected team leader, Tost’s impact on AlphaTauri and the sport as a whole will be felt for years to come.
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