The AlphaTauri Formula One team have announced a management restructure, including the departure of long-serving team principal Franz Tost at the end of this season.
Contract:
- Laurent Mekies, sporting director of Ferrari, will replace Tost as team principal
- Former International Automobile Federation (FIA) executive director Peter Bayer named chief executive
- Tost will continue to serve in a consultancy role in 2024
Context: Tost first joined AlphaTauri when they were known as Toro Rosso in 2005, achieving wins through Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly. The Austrian announces his departure with the team level on points with Williams at the bottom of the Formula One championship. In the new structure, Mekies will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the team, while Bayer will be focused on wider strategy.
Comment: Tost said: “It has been a true privilege to lead the team for such a long period and a great pleasure to work with so many motivated and skilled people, who share my passion for Formula One.
“[At] 67 years old it is time to hand over and with Peter as new CEO and Laurent as team principal, we found two very professional people, who will bring the team to the next level. I want to thank everyone for the good cooperation.”
Coming next: AlphaTauri return to racing action this weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, the debut of Formula One's new sprint format.