Franz Tost, the highly respected team principal who has been a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s second outfit since its inception, is transitioning to a new role in Formula 1. As he steps down from his leadership position at Alpha Tauri, the team is poised for a significant rebranding and renaming, with Laurent Mekies stepping in as the new boss and Peter Bayer as CEO – a new position. Tost, at 67, is now set to embrace a consulting role within the sport, despite his earlier reluctance.
Tost’s journey in F1 has been remarkable. Earlier this year, in June, he hinted at his future plans, stating, “I have received an offer to stay on as a consultant for another two years, so I’m thinking about that.” This statement set the stage for speculation about his continued involvement in F1. However, it was at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his final race as a team boss, where he clarified his intentions. Despite previously considering a consultancy role, Tost expressed a desire to step back from the intense demands of F1, looking forward to enjoying his time skiing. “With Peter as CEO and Laurent as team boss, we have two excellent people who will lead the team in their own way,” Tost mentioned to Kronen Zeitung. He further elaborated, “I don’t think it’s right to stand next to them and say ‘do it like this, do it like that’. I prefer to let them do it.”
However, Red Bull’s top advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, provided a different perspective on Tost’s future. Marko, during an interview with Sky Deutschland, revealed that Tost would, in fact, remain involved in the sport beyond his official retirement. “Mark Mateschitz presented him with a symbolic (Alpha Tauri) car in model form, but Franz will receive a complete car,” Marko said, illustrating Tost’s continued connection to the sport. Marko further described Tost as “a hard bone with a soft core,” acknowledging his significant contributions over the years.
Tost’s impact on Formula 1 has been profound, especially in nurturing young talent. “The extraordinary thing about him is that our two world champions went to school with him,” Marko noted, referring to Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. “The training was so good that they were able to immediately fight for the title at Red Bull Racing. That’s a huge achievement on his part.”
So while Tost’s full-time involvement in F1 might be winding down, his influence will continue to be felt. He will be offering stand-by consulting for the years 2024 and 2025, providing guidance and support as needed. Marko clarified, “So if we or the people at Alpha Tauri need him, they can contact him. But he is free for all other activities that do not conflict with Formula 1.” Tost’s transition allows him the freedom to pursue personal interests, like skiing, while remaining a valuable resource for Red Bull and Alpha Tauri. After 18 years of dedication to the sport, Tost’s new role is a fitting tribute to his legacy in Formula 1.
