F1 News: AlphaTauri Boss Franz Tost Shares Emotional Farewell As He Heads Into Retirement
Franz Tost, the long-serving team principal of AlphaTauri, has bid an emotional farewell as he transitions into retirement. His departure marks the end of an 18-year tenure that saw the team evolve from a small outfit to a significant player in Formula One.
Key Takeaways
- Franz Tost has been an integral part of AlphaTauri (formerly Toro Rosso) for 18 years, guiding the team through numerous challenges and successes, including two victories and five podium finishes.
- Tost's journey with the team began in 2005, and he played a crucial role in developing young drivers and building the team's infrastructure, particularly after regulatory changes in 2008.
- His tenure includes the successful partnership with Honda, which resulted in notable achievements, such as Pierre Gasly's victory at Monza and memorable moments with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
Red Bull Press Image
Franz Tost, the esteemed team principal of AlphaTauri, formerly Toro Rosso, has officially retired, concluding his final season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His 18-year tenure with the team was marked by significant achievements and evolution. Tost will now serve as a consultant for Red Bull in 2024 and 2025, bringing his vast experience to a broader role within the Red Bull racing family.
Tost's career with AlphaTauri began in 2005 when Red Bull expanded its Formula One presence. He was instrumental in leveraging the synergies between AlphaTauri and Red Bull, particularly in the development of young talent and technological advancements. His leadership saw the team grow from a modest beginning with 85 employees to a formidable force in F1 racing.
The team's achievements under Tost's guidance are noteworthy. With over 350 Grands Prix, AlphaTauri, under Tost's stewardship, celebrated two victories and five podium finishes, accumulating over 800 points. This success story includes nurturing world champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, testament to Tost's vision and dedication.
Reflecting on his journey, Tost said:
“It was a very interesting time, I must say. I started on November 8, 2005, in Faenza, and we had 85 people. It was not so easy at the beginning... This was a difficult time, it was a challenge, and I must say I liked it. I learned a lot in this period and I would not like to miss it.”
The partnership with Honda was a pivotal moment for the team, as acknowledged by Tost. Despite initial skepticism from the paddock, the collaboration yielded significant results, including memorable performances from Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly. Tost fondly recalls the victory at Monza with Vettel as a particular highlight, emphasising the strategic decisions and challenges overcome during that race.
As Tost steps away from his role, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and a knack for nurturing talent. His contributions to Formula One and the AlphaTauri team will be remembered as pivotal in the sport's history.