Formula 1 News, Notes: Bitter AlphaTauri Team Boss Pulls No Punches

A key member of Lewis Hamilton’s team departs, an angry AlphaTauri boss vents, and where does Williams go in 2026?

Autoweek checks in from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:

Tost Losing Faith in Engineers

After only one round of a grueling season it appears the best way to motivate the troops is to completely dismantle them in front of the paddock. Or at least that was Franz Tost’s management style at AlphaTauri.

The AT04 has not proved a rapid proposition in 2023, with back-to-back 11th-place finishes for Yuki Tsunoda the best results, leaving them ninth as one of two teams yet to score. But Tost was unimpressed already when he spoke on Friday.

“The engineers tell me that we make some good progress, but I don’t trust them anymore,” he said. “During the winter months they told me the car is fantastic, we’re making big progress, and then we come to Bahrain, and we are nowhere. What should I say?”

When asked specifically on the AT04’s issues Tost was characteristically blunt.

“Too little downforce,” he said. “Therefore the car is unstable under braking, overheats the rear tires, washes out at the apex, bad traction. Everything what you need to do a good lap time.”

Tost has never been one for the school of public relations but good luck retaining and enticing the best engineers if that’s your style.

Hamilton’s Physio Steps Aside

A key member of Lewis Hamilton’s close inner circle has left. New Zealand native Angela Cullen joined the Hintsa Performance group in 2015 and a year later became Hamilton’s physiotherapist and close confidant, with the pair developing a close relationship. Cullen has now opted to move on to new pastures and the seven-time champion paid a glowing tribute.

“For the last seven years Angela has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself,” Hamilton said. “I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her. So today I hope you’ll join me in wishing her the very best as she takes the next steps to pursue her dreams – thank you for everything Ang.

Hamilton won four world titles (2017-20) during Cullen’s spell as his close confidant.

“You GOAT,” Cullen posted. “I am so excited to watch the next chapter for you. There’s nothing you can’t do.”