Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, has pinpointed the Formula 1 figurehead he believes exudes the most intimidating aura on the Formula 1 grid, singling out Franz Tost of AlphaTauri.
In an interview with ESPN, Horner humorously coined the term “Tosted” to describe the experience of encountering Tost’s commanding presence.
Reflecting on the diverse array of personalities in the sport, Horner drew parallels between the current generation of team principals and the renowned figures who once dominated the Formula 1 landscape.
Horner recollected, “When I first came into the sport, there was Ron Dennis, there was Flavio Briatore, there was Eddie Jordan, there was Jean Todt, there was Bernie Ecclestone running it, there was Max Mosley there, Frank Williams, some really big characters and personalities.”
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Acknowledging the shifting dynamics of Formula 1 management, Horner observed a gradual transition from an emphasis on entrepreneurial prowess to a more technical orientation.
As a result, he positioned himself and Toto Wolff as figures who bring a different, more traditional dimension to the modern paddock.
He mused, “So I suppose Toto and myself are perhaps two of the more dinosaur-type of characters compared to some of them, even though I’m still on the younger side of the team principals.”
Horner’s playful description of Tost’s formidable presence brings a touch of lightheartedness to the sport’s dynamic landscape.
Tost’s impact and reputation as a team principal have clearly left an impression on Horner, as he humorously remarked, “Franz Tost.
“You know when you’ve been Tosted.”
Tost only has a few months left in his current role in the Formula 1 paddock, leaving his position at AlphaTauri after 17 years at the helm.
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Stepping away from AlphaTauri, Tost will be replaced by Ferrari’s Laurent Mekies, while Peter Bayer will become the Red Bull junior team’s new CEO.
Tost will, undoubtedly, be disappointed to be stepping away from AlphaTauri after one of the team’s most disappointing seasons in the sport.
While Red Bull is riding high at the top of the standings, AlphaTauri is languishing in last place.