AlphaTauri announces six-month postponement for Laurent Mekies’ team principal debut

Franz Tost, with the team since its inception as Toro Rosso in 2005, announced his departure from AlphaTauri in April.

AlphaTauri announces six-month postponement for Laurent Mekies’ team principal debut

Future AlphaTauri team principal Laurent Mekies (Image credit: Grandprix.com)

In April, Ferrari deputy team boss and race director Laurent Mekies was announced as a replacement for the outgoing AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost in 2024. According to earlier reports, Mekies was supposed to join the Faenza-based team at the Hungarian GP, one race ahead of the traditional F1 break. However, the new AlphaTauri CEO confirmed that it would take at least six more months before Mekies can take over.

Peter Bayer stated that in a conversation with Laurent, he expressed the team’s anticipation of receiving news soon. He acknowledged that the final decision lies with Ferrari and emphasized their responsibility in determining the outcome. However, Peter Bayer remained optimistic about Laurent joining their team, ideally at the beginning of next year, specifically in January.

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“As far as Laurent is concerned, I just spoke to him this morning over breakfast, and we are hoping to have some news very soon. It’s obviously a decision of Ferrari ultimately. But I’m hopeful that he will join us, at the latest, the beginning of next year, January next year,” said Peter Bayer.

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Peter Bayer sheds light on Laurent Mekies’ absence and seamless integration at AlphaTauri

AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer (Image credit: Autosport.com)

Ferrari’s Laurent Mekies was reportedly said to be leaving the Italian team and succeeding the retiring Franz Tost at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend this year. Simultaneously, Peter Bayer, former FIA F1 executive director, was appointed as the new CEO of AlphaTauri. Bayer will be responsible for the strategic requirements of the team at Faenza and its UK base.

Peter Bayer explained that Laurent’s absence represents a natural change. Mekies returning to the team where he gained experience in F1 as Toro Rosso shows Laurent’s strong knowledge of the team and its workings. While Bayer admitted he still has things to learn about racing, the team already has a structure with a team leader and CEO handling racing matters. This enables Bayer to concentrate on commercial aspects and discussions about sponsorships.

“In terms of Laurent not being here, it’s a sort of a natural transition. Laurent knows the team; he knows the business inside out. But it’s enough that we have an existing structure with a team principal and a CEO taking care of racing and me focusing more on the commercial side,” he explained.

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