AlphaTauri Confirms Franz Tost Departure At End Of 2023 With Ferrari Director Set To Join

AlphaTauri confirms Franz Tost will be stepping down as team principal at the end of the year.

There are big changes on the horizon for AlphaTauri in the world of Formula 1. Ferrari's Sporting Director, Laurent Mekies, has been confirmed to become AlphaTauri's new Team Principal, taking over for Franz Tost, who has led the team since its inception in 2005. Tost will step down from his position at the end of 2023, but will remain with the team in a consultancy role through 2024.

Mekies' start date as Team Principal has yet to be confirmed, but he is no stranger to the world of Formula 1. He previously worked at Toro Rosso and Minardi before joining the FIA as its Safety Director and Deputy Race Director in 2014. Mekies then moved on to Ferrari in 2018, where he served as the team's Sporting Director.

In addition to Mekies' appointment, AlphaTauri has also announced the hiring of Peter Bayer as the team's new Chief Executive Officer. Bayer, a former executive at the FIA, will join the team later in 2023.

These changes come at a time when AlphaTauri is looking to make a bigger impact in the world of Formula 1. The team has been steadily improving in recent years, with standout performances from drivers like Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. With Mekies and Bayer on board, the team is poised to continue its upward trajectory and make a name for itself on the global stage.

NEWS: change at the top as our Team Principal Franz Tost will step down at the end of the year.

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Tost has spoken about stepping down from the role, explaining:

“First of all, I would like to thank Dietrich Mateschitz, who gave me the incredible opportunity to be Team Principal of Scuderia Toro Rosso and Scuderia AlphaTauri for the past 18 years.

“It has been a true privilege to lead the team for such a long period and a great pleasure to work with so many motivated and skilled people, who share my passion for Formula 1.

“At 67 years old it is time to hand over and with Peter as new CEO and Laurent as Team Principal, we found two very professional people, who will bring the team to the next level. I want to thank everyone for the good cooperation.”

Mekies has paid tribute to the "great job" Tost has done and explained that he is honoured to take on the role. He said:

“Firstly, I’d like to pay tribute to Franz for the great job he has done over almost two decades in charge at Faenza.

“I wish him well for the future and I know that both Peter and I will rely on his input and advice in times to come.

“Looking forward, I am honoured to take on the role of Team Principal and to return to the team where I spent a large portion of my early career.

“Scuderia AlphaTauri has all of the ingredients necessary for greater success in the future and in tandem with Peter I’m looking forward to making that happen.”