Last Updated on December 31 2023, 8:43 am

Franz Tost, one of the most influential team bosses of recent years, has retired from Formula One. He believes the pinnacle of motorsport is well positioned for the future, especially in terms of cockpits – with two exceptions.

Those who make it into F1 as drivers have generally earned their place and proven their skills behind the wheel in various racing series. The same goes for today’s drivers. But not for everyone, says former Red Bull AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost.

 

Franz Tost, former Team Principal of AlphaTauri, a Red Bull Junior Team, occupies a unique position in this competitive landscape. His vast experience and deep commitment to nurturing young talent make him uniquely qualified to assess the drivers on the grid and their worthiness in the sport.

 

 

Decades of motorsport experience

Franz Tost’s motorsport journey spans several decades, giving him a breadth of experience that few in the paddock can match. His career has spanned a variety of roles, from working with prestigious teams to developing young drivers. This extensive background gives Tost a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in Formula One, both from a technical and personal perspective.

As head of AlphaTauri, formerly known as Toro Rosso, Tost has been directly involved in the development of young drivers. AlphaTauri, now called Racing Bulls, serves as the junior team for Red Bull Racing, meaning that part of its mandate is to nurture and prepare emerging talent for potential seats in the senior team.

This responsibility has given Tost a keen eye for spotting and developing talent, understanding the nuances of driver development and recognising the attributes that make a successful Formula One driver.

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Insight into the transition from junior to senior level

Tost’s role requires him to oversee the transition of drivers from junior formulas to the pinnacle of motorsport. This is a complex and challenging transition, involving not only driving skills, but also mental strength, adaptability and the ability to deal with pressure. Tost’s insight into this process is invaluable in assessing which drivers have the potential to thrive in F1 and which may struggle.

 

 

Understanding the technical aspects of the sport

In addition to his knowledge of driver development, Tost’s understanding of the technical aspects of Formula One is crucial. He understands the intricacies of the cars, the development cycle and the strategic elements of racing. This technical expertise complements his assessment of the drivers, as he can see how well they work with their engineers, adapt to technical changes and contribute to the development of the car.

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Exposure to a range of driver personalities and styles

During his time at AlphaTauri, Tost has worked with a wide range of drivers, each with their own unique style and personality. This exposure has given him the ability to assess different driving styles and how they translate into success on the track. It also means he understands the importance of psychological factors in racing, such as resilience, racing skills and the ability to learn from mistakes.

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Tost: Two drivers not good enough for F1

Recently, speaking to Sky Sports pundit David Croft, Tost said that in his opinion, two of the current F1 drivers have no place in the premier class of motorsport.

“He said: Every single driver in the paddock deserves to be in the paddock… except for two drivers,” Croft revealed details of his conversation with Tost. When asked which two drivers they were, the commentator was given an answer.

But he will keep it to himself. “I’m not going to name them, but I couldn’t agree with him [Tost] more,” explained Croft.

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Secret remains hidden for now

Tost then went on to explain in detail why he felt these two drivers had no place in F1. “But I’m not going to tell you which two drivers they are, because that would be unfair to them,” said Croft.

Exactly who Franz Tost was referring to is anyone’s guess. But given the performances of the past few months and years, the list of candidates is small. At the top of the list should be Logan Sargeant, who disappointed massively in his debut season for Williams and failed to prove his Formula One credentials.

The second driver on the list remains a secret to Tost and Croft for the time being.

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