F1 | Tost: “Verstappen immediately adapted to Formula 1”

2023 marked the final season of Franz tost at full capacity formula 1. The Austrian manager has decided to end his experience as team principal of AlphaTauri, whose place in Faenza was taken by former Ferrari Laurent Mekies, after sixteen years. Tost has had among its ranks several drivers who have written important pages in the history of Formula 1 such as Max Verstappen.

Discussing the Dutchman, who in the last season literally stole the show on the track, obtaining the beauty of nineteen victories in twenty-two events, closing the championship practice well in advance of the championship finale, Tost recalled how from the first kilometers driving a Formula 1 the current Red Bull standard bearer has demonstrated his talent.

Verstappen, who made his debut in Formula 1 while still a minor, taking part in the first free practice at Suzuka in 2014, made his debut in Toro Rosso as an official driver in 2015. He was promoted to Red Bull in mid-2016, where he matured until his consecration in 2021 winning his first title at the end of a very close challenge with Lewis Hamilton. Two more titles arrived subsequently, the last of which in 2023.

“We did a test in Italy – declared Tost, interviewed by the Beyond The Grid podcast – He immediately adapted to the speed, the brakes, everything. This was the big advantage for Max. He has no problems with speed. Other drivers need ten laps, 20 laps, 100 laps, until they find balance. Max had everything under control. We said: “Okay, he should do free practice at Suzuka”.