Szafnauer Seeks New F1 Leadership Role

Axed by Alpine, Otmar Szafnauer refuses to step away from F1, determined to secure a leadership role and prove his worth once again.

Otmar Szafnauer, abruptly dismissed from his role as team principal at Alpine F1 in the summer of 2023, has just turned 60. Retirement for the Romanian-American? Certainly not.

Speaking to Planet F1, Szafnauer expressed his desire to return to a high-level managerial role in the paddock. Retirement at 60? Not for him.

“F1 is not behind me.”

“I turned 60 last year. I think I still have five or six years before I even consider retiring. I often tell people that when you go skiing at 65, you ski differently than at 75 or 85.”

“I don’t want to miss those seven to ten good years of leisure. I don’t want to work until I’m 82, but somewhere between 65 and 67 would be a good time to retire. I think 60 is a bit too young.”

Which team, which challenge could attract someone who has already proven his skills as a team principal at Force India and Racing Point?

One thing is certain: Otmar Szafnauer will not return to a subordinate role—he will want to be in charge.

“If I can help a team with my knowledge and experience to perform better than it currently does, to move up the grid, I would love to take on that challenge.”

“But it has to be the right position. My role must give me enough influence over the entire organization to make a real difference.”

“I don’t want to work for a team just for the sake of working for a team. I want the freedom and authority to truly make a difference, ensuring that the decisions I make or contribute to have a real impact.”

In what seems like a reflection on the lack of autonomy he experienced at Alpine F1, Otmar Szafnauer points to his remarkable track record at Force India-Racing Point: scoring significant points with a limited budget.

“At Force India, whatever we wanted to do, we had the freedom to do it. I believe that, combined with the stability of senior leadership, this continuity allowed us to achieve far greater performance than our resources would have suggested.”

“We were beating teams that had two to three times more resources and staff than we did at Force India. We managed it simply because we had the right people, all pulling in the same direction, deeply knowledgeable about the sport, and empowered by leadership to perform at their best.”

Otmar Szafnauer may have a reputation as a midfield team principal, but could he be suited to leading a top team? Could he be the Frédéric Vasseur of Mercedes or Red Bull in the future?

“I spent 12 years at Ford Motor Company and two years at General Motors—both massive corporations.”

“I understand how process-driven they are and how differently they operate compared to a Formula 1 team, but at its core, an F1 team is a racing outfit. You have to be able to react quickly.”

“Large corporations must operate like warships, while Formula 1 teams need to be more like pirates. What works for a big company won’t necessarily work for an F1 team.”

“If you impose the constraints of a large corporation on an F1 outfit, you’ll never succeed. Others will beat you. That’s why my approach is more about ‘Let’s get it done’ and ‘Do what needs to be done—don’t worry too much about the processes, because we need to add this performance to the car now. The proper processes will follow once the performance is in place.’”

A 12th F1 team led by Otmar Szafnauer?

Szafnauer could return in an unexpected way, as he confirms ongoing discussions with American investors looking to establish the 12th team on the grid.

A mysterious project, now complicated by the arrival of an 11th team—also American—Cadillac.

“I’m working with American investors and automotive manufacturers to explore the possibility of a 12th team in the future.”

“When I first started the project, it was meant to be the 11th team, but now that Cadillac is in, they’ve taken that spot.”

“So, when the process for a 12th team opens up, I hope to present a strong case—one that secures the backing of both the investors funding it and the manufacturer I’m working with.”