Daniel Ricciardo claims Franz Tost ‘prepared him for F1’ during their first meet at Toro Rosso

Daniel Ricciardo spent his first two years in Toro Rosso ahead of a succesful stint with Red Bull.

Daniel Ricciardo claims Franz Tost ‘prepared him for F1’ during their first meet at Toro Rosso

Franz Tost with Daniel Ricciardi (via IMAGO)

Daniel Ricciardo has had an illustrious career, with eight wins in a Formula One career spanning five teams. The highlight of Ricciardo’s career came with Red Bull, winning seven races with the Milton Keyes-based squad. Less talked about is his stint with Toro Rosso, which gave him the stepping stone to ascending to Red Bull.

Joining Toro Rosso in 2012, the Australian impressed immediately, performing well enough to eventually earn a seat in F1. Ricciardo has recounted his days at the team, recalling how then team principal Franz Tost welcomed him.Tost welcomed Ricciardo back midway through 2023, as the Australian returned to F1 with AlphaTauri. Ricciardo said that Tost had helped him prepare for a future in the sport in his rookie year with Toro Rosso, to ready him for the future.

I remember quite vividly the first meeting I had in his office and, you know, I kind of bounced in with a smile. I think he looked at me like [he] tried to prepare me for what's ahead. It's a serious sport and it's a tough old world.
Daniel Ricciardo said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Franz Tost departed from Formula One as a whole, stepping down from his position as team principal of AlphaTauri. Tost left behind a legacy of coaching young drivers to success, including Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Ricciardo.

FS Video

Daniel Ricciardo commends Franz Tost’s dedication to AlphaTauri

Franz Tost retired from Alpha Tauri and the pinnacle of motorsport as a whole after the 2023 season, ending his 18-year tenure with the Faenza squad. Tost dedicated most of his F1 career to mentoring young drivers and harbouring their talent for future success.

Franz Tost
Franz Tost (Credits: GPFans)

Daniel Ricciardo was one of the drivers Tost mentored, driving for Toro Rosso in 2012 before joining Red Bull the next year. Ricciardo reflected on Tost’s involvement and dedication to being present at team meetings, debriefs and other important events. The 34-year-old commended Tost’s passion for F1 and availability for advice.

Franz has always been really involved. He's in every debrief, he'll normally speak as well in debriefs and give some analysis or advice or anything he's seen. He's fully involved in it, it's his passion.
Daniel Ricciardo said, via RacingNews365

Daniel Ricciardo performed well enough under Tost in the Toro Rosso team to be promoted to Red Bull after two years driving for them. Ricciardo replaced the retiring Mark Webber, to drive alongside Sebastian Vettel for the 2014 season, outperforming the German in his first year with the team.

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