Former F1 CEO Franz Tost believes that Max Verstappen would be trumped by a prime Sebastian Vettel if they competed in equal machinery, despite the Dutchman paying an emotional homage to the retiring AlphaTauri chief following his final race in Abu Dhabi.
After winning the Grand Prix for the 19th time this year, setting a new record, Verstappen made sure to mention Tost in his farewell speech. Verstappen’s big break in Formula One came from the 67-year-old at Toro Rosso, which was eventually renamed as AlphaTauri.
At Yas Marina Circuit, Verstappen expressed gratitude to all via the Red Bull team radio. “And to Franz Tost, thank you. Thank you to Franz for taking care of so many of us; this is his final race.”
Tost, who believes that four-time world champion Abu Dhabi, who resigned from Formula One in 2022, would win more races than Verstappen if they raced in the same car, was unmoved by the heartfelt homage.
The Austrian said, “Could be Sebastian,” in response to the question of who he believed will win a grand prix. But he did say that he would support Verstappen in a one-lap qualifying match and gave an explanation of why he would choose the two to create his ideal Formula One team.
“[It’s] because of their dedication to the sport and their speed,” Tost stated. “They not only possess the necessary elements, but they also know how to win races. First and foremost, this is the talent. Driving a car like that requires a lot of skill.
Despite being born a full ten years after the German, Verstappen overtook Vettel in the all-time standings for the most Grand Prix victories thanks to his phenomenally successful 2023 season.
Actually, only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103), with 54 victories apiece, have more than Verstappen. There is still plenty of time for the Red Bull athlete to go closer and challenge for first place.
Although Verstappen’s contract expires at the end of the 2028 season, he has already said that he intends to terminate his Formula One career sooner than drivers like Hamilton or Fernando Alonso.
