Last year, Franz Tost completed his final Formula 1 season as team principal of AlphaTauri, now going to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after 18 years. One of the several drivers who passed through his hands was Daniel Ricciardo, who indeed ended 2023 with the Faenza team.
According to the championship’s website, the Australian was asked about how much Tost will be missed, responding: ‘I would say quite a lot. I believe for the team he has been everything, starting from the Toro Rosso days, or my first full season in F1. I remember very well the first meeting I had in his office and how I walked in with a smile. I think he looked at me… he tried to prepare me for what was ahead. It’s a serious sport and a tough world’.
Ricciardo then praised Tost’s involvement in AlphaTauri’s tasks: ‘I think Franz has always been truly involved. He is in every debrief, usually speaks in meetings and gives some analysis or advice that he saw. He is fully involved and this is his passion. […]. I hope he can enjoy resting a little this year. I’m not entirely sure what is in store for him, but I really hope he can enjoy some rest’.
