The drivers who drove for AlphaTauri (formerly Toro Rosso) during Franz Tost’s 18-year era can’t stop raving about the outgoing Formula 1 team boss.
The Tyrolean has built up the Red Bull junior forge in the premier class and promoted talent in the team. Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda praise the 67-year-old’s leadership style, who always has an open ear for his pilots. But now there is also praise from other team bosses in Formula 1.
Red Bull mastermind Christian Horner appreciates Tost’s work for the Red Bull main team and is enthusiastic about the Austrian’s youth work.
“He worked with a lot of talent and prepared them for us,” says the Briton. “He did a great job with the young drivers and taught them discipline. They were all kart drivers and went to the gym. His most famous motto is: ‘Every day you don’t spend on the track is a day wasted.'”
According to Horner, Tost also meant high holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. The AlphaTauri team boss always gave 100 percent and never rested. The self-proclaimed workaholic has always had full backing as a result, but Horner believes Tost has now reached the time to “take a step back”. “He did an absolutely top job and we respect that,” said the Red Bull team boss.
Praise for Franz Tost’s “extraordinary career” in Formula 1
Red Bull rival Mercedes also gives a lot of recognition for Tost’s work in Formula 1. Team boss Toto Wolff says: “We are both Austrians and both started as instructors at the Walter Lechner racing driver school at the Österreichring. Only he was 45 Years before me there! We still missed each other by just a few years. He’s had an extraordinary career.”
Wolff also suggests Tost to fully enjoy his retirement after the 2023 season. “There’s hardly anyone who’s been around that long, so congratulations on everything you’ve done [Tost] achieved,” said the Mercedes team boss and joked: “Christian [Horner]you’re the next to take off, that would make life easier for us.”
Tost was active in Formula 1 for 18 years, Horner is already in his 19th season in the premier class with Red Bull.