Laurent Mekies to Succeed Franz Tost as Alpha Tauri’s Team Principal.
Alpha Tauri, the Red Bull-owned Formula 1 team, has announced a leadership change with Ferrari’s sporting director, Laurent Mekies, set to replace Franz Tost as team principal at the end of the season. This major shake-up aims to ensure long-term stability and continuity for the team.
New Additions to Alpha Tauri’s Management
Peter Bayer, who formerly held the position of F1 executive director and secretary general for motorsport at the FIA, will join Alpha Tauri as chief executive. While Tost, 67, will continue to serve as a consultant until the end of the 2024 season, Alpha Tauri did not provide specific start dates for Mekies and Bayer in their new roles.
Franz Tost’s Legacy in Formula 1
Tost has been a key figure in F1, leading the team since its inception as Toro Rosso after Red Bull’s acquisition of Minardi. Under his leadership, the team functioned as a testing ground for potential Red Bull drivers, claiming two race victories – the 2008 and 2020 Italian Grands Prix with Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly. Notable alumni of the team include two-time world champion Max Verstappen and eight-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo.
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
Acknowledging the need for a change, Tost expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team for so long and work with such talented individuals. He showed confidence in Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies, describing them as highly skilled professionals who can elevate the team to new heights.
Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer’s Rich Experience
Mekies, a Frenchman, joined Ferrari in 2018 after serving as deputy racing director at the FIA, a position he secured following his stint at Toro Rosso in 2014. Bayer, an Austrian, is a seasoned FIA executive who spearheaded the investigation into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s controversial ending, where race director Michael Masi’s incorrect handling of a late safety car period led to a championship shift from Lewis Hamilton to Verstappen.
Oliver Mintzlaff’s Role in the Transition
Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, orchestrated these changes at Alpha Tauri. He praised Tost’s contributions, highlighting his vision and passion for the sport, which led to exceptional victories and the development of remarkable F1 talents. Mintzlaff expressed confidence in the new leadership, expecting Bayer and Mekies to propel Scuderia Alpha Tauri to greater heights in the future.
“Stay on track with the latest leadership changes in Formula 1 racing and witness the excitement as the Scuderia Alpha Tauri team prepares for the next phase of their journey in the FIA Formula One World Championship. If you’re feeling confident about the team’s performance and want to bet on Formula 1, check out the lists of the best bookmakers from BeWinner on this page. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action and make your predictions count!”