Why is Franz Tost Leaving Alpha Tauri? What Happened to Franz Tost? Is Franz Tost Retiring?
by Mathelene | Updated Nov 27, 2023
Why is Franz Tost Leaving Alpha Tauri?
Franz Tost is leaving AlphaTauri after 18 years as Team Principal due to his decision made two years ago. At 67 years old, Tost believes it's time to step back from the leading role, emphasizing the importance of passing the position to younger, more creative individuals. The announcement, originally planned for a later date, was prompted by press leaks.
Tost, known for his love of Formula 1, stated that by 70, he wouldn't be in the pit lane, making his departure timely. Laurent Mekies, AlphaTauri's former Sporting Director, will succeed Tost as Team Principal, with Peter Bayer taking on the role of CEO. Tost plans to move back to Austria and work in a consultancy role, allowing the team to embrace new ideas and perspectives for future success.
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Who is Franz Tost?
Franz Tost is a former racing driver and the current team principal of the Scuderia AlphaTauri Formula One team. However, he is set to depart from this role at the conclusion of the 2023 Formula One season. Tost has played a crucial role in the team's leadership for several years, particularly since 2005 when Red Bull acquired Minardi, renaming it Toro Rosso, and subsequently AlphaTauri.
Despite his departure, Tost leaves behind a significant legacy, having made the decision to step down two years prior. This decision, driven by his age and a belief in providing leadership opportunities to younger individuals, will see Laurent Mekies take over as the new team principal.
Full Name:
Franz Tost
Date of Birth:
January 20, 1956
Place of Birth:
Trins, Austria
Role:
Former Racing Driver, Team Principal (AlphaTauri)
Retirement Announcement:
April 26, 2023, retiring at the end of the 2023 Formula One season
Franz Tost Age
As of 2023, Franz Tost is 67 years old. He was born on January 20, 1956. Franz Tost engaged in Formula Ford and Formula Three competitions, securing victory in the Austrian Formula Ford Championship in 1983. Despite recognizing his limitations in reaching the pinnacle of motorsport as a driver, he shifted focus, pursuing Sport Science and Management studies at the University of Innsbruck and the University of Vienna.
This educational path led him to a role as a team manager at the Walter Lechner Racing School. In 1993, he joined Willi Weber, initially overseeing the WTS Formula Three team. During this time, he crossed paths with a young Ralf Schumacher. Impressed, Willi Weber invited Tost to accompany them to Japan, marking a pivotal moment in Tost's journey in the world of motorsports.
Franz Tost Career
Franz Tost's Formula One journey began in 2000 when he joined the Williams team alongside Ralf Schumacher, serving as Track Operations Manager for their engine supplier BMW until January 1, 2006. In 2005, Tost transitioned to the role of team principal for Scuderia Toro Rosso, the team Red Bull acquired from Minardi. Setting a goal of fifth place in the Constructors' Championship, he achieved notable success in 2008, 2019, and 2021, securing sixth place each season.
He continued as team principal when Toro Rosso became AlphaTauri in 2020, making him one of the longest-serving team principals in Formula One. Recognized for his hard work and professionalism, Tost is known for his straightforwardness and willingness to express his opinions. On April 26, 2023, it was announced that he would be stepping down as Team Principal after 18 years in the role.
What Happened to Franz Tost?
Franz Tost, the Team Principal of AlphaTauri, is leaving after 18 years due to his decision made two years ago. At 67, he believes it's time to step back and pass the leadership role to younger individuals. The announcement was made earlier than planned due to press leaks. Laurent Mekies will replace him as Team Principal, and Tost will take on a consultancy role, moving back to Austria after the transition.
Is Franz Tost Retiring?
Yes, Franz Tost is retiring as the Team Principal of AlphaTauri after 18 years. At the age of 67, he made the decision two years ago, believing it's the right time to step away from the leading role. The announcement, originally planned for a later date, was accelerated due to press leaks. Tost will be succeeded by Laurent Mekies, and he intends to take on a consultancy role, returning to Austria after his retirement.
Why is Franz Tost Leaving Alpha Tauri? - FAQs
Franz Tost is stepping down as AlphaTauri Team Principal after 18 years, a decision he made two years ago due to his age and the belief that leadership roles should be passed to younger individuals.
Laurent Mekies, formerly with AlphaTauri as Sporting Director, will replace Franz Tost as the new Team Principal.
The announcement was originally planned for a later date, but press leaks accelerated the disclosure of Franz Tost's impending departure from AlphaTauri.
Franz Tost leaves behind a legacy of notable successes, achieving the team's best results in 2008, 2019, and 2021, securing sixth place in the Constructors' Championship in each of these seasons.
Franz Tost has been one of the longest-serving Formula One team principals, having spent 18 years in leadership roles with Toro Rosso and its successor, AlphaTauri.