A picture may speak a thousand words but Mercedes only needs two in reaction to the latest news from the Red Bull camp. Franz Tost leaves his seat as AlphaTauri team principal to make way for Ferrari’s Laurent Mekies. A major move from the Red Bull B-Team, Mercedes oozes sarcasm in their response to their rivals.
Tost has been infamous for his take on decreasing driver salaries to accommodate for the cost cap. This became widespread news especially after Lewis Hamilton reacted to it.
As the interviewer explained the statements made by the AlphaTauri boss, Hamilton could only say: “Who’s that?”
Despite not having the same level of recognition as some of the biggest names in the current F1 era, such as Toto Wolff or Christian Horner, Tost remained unfazed. In fact, he has stated that he doesn’t concern himself with whether or not he rings a bell with the 7x champ.
As Red Bull releases their statements to release Tost from his position, the official Mercedes Twitter team put out a simple post. No caption needed, just a screenshot of Hamilton frowning in confusion over Tost’s existence.
Fans left floored by Mercedes post
The shady post was quick to grab the attention of the fans who immediately heard the words muttered in the picture. Although enjoying the drama, one fan stated it was “just wrong and mean”.
😂🤣😂 this is just wrong and mean
— Lungelo Ximba (@lungeloSLX) April 26, 2023
https://twitter.com/jupitersbadest/status/1651401699624628226?s=20
While some laughed at how shady the post was, others appreciated the work of art. Top-tier PR from the Mercedes admin, as they take a bow to the applause all around.
I love it omg https://t.co/tuDgb85rCJ
— 🌻 Marta (@Zoncharo) April 26, 2023
THE SHADE. https://t.co/cXjkGOwHMs
— emmy ¹⁰⁵ (@auramiltonn) April 26, 2023
THEY DID NOT 😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/s12dApE337
— Mia (@Liliithherself) April 26, 2023
The post had clearly struck a chord with its audience as fans who enjoyed another reason to mock anyone associated with Red Bull.
The way I had to cover my mouth from screaming in my office. I’m in 😭 https://t.co/7DlU3r3WNF
— Queenie (@Kueenie_Ara) April 26, 2023
https://twitter.com/vettelonso/status/1651264672572796928?s=20
Merc back to menacing again 💀 https://t.co/dwZSu3fUva
— ℳ (@maeeemii) April 26, 2023
Not only was Lewis Hamilton speechless, his fans were too. In response to the big-brain move from Mercedes, fans flooded the comments with iconic Hamilton reaction pictures in response.
— εmmα³🦌🥀FEA (@_emmp_) April 26, 2023
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Hap5zbMash
— Jack Shiramba (@hulkshira) April 26, 2023
Big moves in Red Bull B-team
AlphaTauri had a tough 2022 campaign, with Franz Tost’s aspirations of securing fifth place in the constructors’ championship being dashed once again as the team struggled to a ninth-place finish. Unfortunately, the team’s performance has not improved this season, as they currently sit in ninth place with just one point to their name.
At the age of 67, Tost has been contemplating his future in F1. He is known for his tireless work ethic, putting in work every day of the year, including holidays such as Christmas Day. However, after 18 years, the time has come for him to take a step back.
Tost will continue in his current role for the remainder of the year before transitioning into a consultancy position in 2024. This move will facilitate a smooth leadership transition and allow Red Bull to establish a long-term strategy for the team.
