Red Bull had one of the most incredible seasons ever for a Formula 1 team, but its sister team couldn’t manage to replicate even a fraction of the flamboyance displayed by Red Bull. AlphaTauri, which is going to be renamed the next year, bid goodbye to Franz Tost who had stayed as a principal in the Red Bull family for a long time.
But, in spite of all their efforts, AlphaTauri couldn’t manage to impress the Red Bull’s wingman with their season. Franz had seen many young disciples rise to the level of champions in Formula 1, including his famous protege Max Verstappen who is the current hot sensation in sport.
Franz Tost reflects on challenging final season with Red Bull
Franz Tost has been a part of Red Bull squad and he definitely expected his junior team to create some better memories this year with help from Red Bull. AlphaTauri didn’t have the most stable season as the second seat of AT03 rotated between three drivers this season. Yuki Tsunoda managed to get some consistency this season but unfortunately even he couldn’t turn tides for the Faenza team.
Tost had high hopes for the team that had got its first win before Red Bull. The ex-principal of AlphaTauri, had set a goal to achieve with at least a 5th place finish in the world championships. Sadly, he could never achieve it during his tenure and the recent rankings put AlphaTauri at 8th, only rubbing salt over his wounds.
His parting words were full of doubt and regret, not the best way to leave for sure. “I am not happy or proud – the target was to finish fifth in the constructors’ championship and we didn’t achieve this goal.”
“Therefore there is no reason to be happy or proud. I’m upset we didn’t achieve this goal. I’m thinking to myself, ‘why you were too stupid to do this?’ Formula 1 is very fair. Either you can do it – or you’re not clever enough.”
Red Bull and Formula 1 racing has kept Franz addicted for a long time and he still wants to have access to their data in future.
Verstappen’s 2023 season praised by Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen may be arch rivals but the Mercedes champion didn’t hold back from congratulating Red Bull’s flying Dutch. Red Bull and Max Verstappen set an example for every team and Hamilton acknowledged their prowess with his words.
“For everyone, it has been a very, very long season and very much looking forward to the winter break. We’re working very, very hard on making sure we come back strong next year, I must say a big congratulations to Red Bull, Verstappen and Checo, they’ve done an incredible job this year.”
Lewis congratulated Max and the entire Red Bull cast during his award ceremony speech.
He further went to comment on the flawless racing shown by Max Verstappen this year, “Max Verstappen was faultless. Max and all of his team really raised the bar and we have a lot of work to close that gap, but I truly do believe that we can close that gap.” In this way, Lewis Hamilton showed his sportsmanship and professionalism as a racing driver in the pinnacle of motorsports.
Who do you think the Red Bulls will call in to replace their junior team principal and is the new partnership between the two teams a worrying sign for future? Do comment your thoughts below.
