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Tsunoda pays tribute to “biggest supporter” Tost after AlphaTauri F1 exit
Franz Tost has been the team principal of the Faenza outfit, formerly known as Toro Rosso, for 18 years. During his tenure, he has overseen the development of notable drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and Alex Albon. Tost was a strong supporter of Yuki Tsunoda and his guidance played a pivotal role in Tsunoda’s journey to Formula 1. Tsunoda credits Tost for his unwavering belief in his talent and speed, even during difficult times. Tost emphasized that a driver needs three seasons to prove their abilities at the highest level. Under Tost’s leadership, the team achieved victories in the 2008 and 2020 Italian Grands Prix. However, the team faced challenges with the introduction of ground-effects regulations in 2022, resulting in a drop in the constructors’ championship standings. Tost made changes to the aerodynamic department to improve performance, but after a change in senior management, his departure was announced in April 2024, with Laurent Mekies becoming his successor.
