Otmar Szafnauer has made it evident that his time in Formula 1 is not complete just yet. The former Alpine team principal, who departed from the French team in mid-2023, has been a frequent paddock guest over the past season. Szafnauer is eager to embrace a new challenge within the sport, before retirement.
A look at the career of Otmar Szafnauer
Szafnauer has been a part of Formula 1 for the best part of 25 years, seeing many different eras come and go. Beginning his journey in the late 1990s with the British American Racing team as an operations director. From this, Szafnauer was promoted to the chief operations officer for the now rebranded Force India team.
Under his supervision, Force India consistently performed well. The team were able to secure consecutive fourth-place finishes in the constructors standings, despite the financial limitations hanging over them.
Szafnauer later oversaw the team’s transitions to Racing Point and Aston Martin before taking on the role of team principal at Alpine. His time at the French outfit was short lived due to several disagreements over long-term strategies for the team. This saw him departing Alpine mid-season in 2023.
However, 18 months later, Szafnauer remains confident that his time in F1 is far from over. Claiming that “F1 is not behind me.”
Is a return on the cards?
While Szafnauer’s name has not been strongly linked with any of the current vacancies in Formula 1, this sport has proved on several occasions everything can change in an instant. With several teams having structural changes in recent seasons, it is not out of the cards.
one of the most intriguing possibilities of a return for Szafnauer is a potential 12th team in Formula 1. Following the success of Cadillac and General Motors’ bid to become a new team in Formula 1, The American revealed that he has been working with U.S. investors and car manufacturers to launch a new entry in the coming years.
“I’ve been working with some American funders and some car manufacturers to look at a 12th team for the future. At the time, it was going to be the 11th team, but now Cadillac is in, so they’ve got that spot. When the process opens for a 12th team, I hope to put in a robust case.”
Alongside this, Szafnauer has remained confident in his skills despite being one of the older members within the F1 paddock. He expressed that his age will not control a potential F1 comeback.
“I turned 60 last year. I think I’ve got another five or six years left before I want to retire. I don’t want to miss the seven or 10 good years of a hobby. I don’t want to work till I’m 82, but 65 to 67 would be a good time to retire. I think 60 is a bit too young.”
Success outside of Formula 1
In the 18 months Otmar has been out of a Team Principal’s role, he has remained an active figure in Motorsports. Partaking in various projects throughout the paddock. He has worked with Formula 1 Experiences and delivered talks at institutions such as Oxford and Columbia University, focusing on leadership and high-performance team management. In turn, helping to inspire a new generation of motorsport workers.
Outside of this, Szafnauer has dedicated more time to his software company Softpauer. A company which previously designed the first-ever Formula 1 timing and scoring app in 2009. In the past few months, the company have released a new program called ‘EventR’. A program designed to help the travel logistics of teams. Through Szafnauer’s experience within the Motorsport industry, he was able to help create platforms and services which are effective for motorsport teams.
“EventR was born out of my experience managing travel for 120 to 130 people at Force India and Aston Martin. Instead of printing 10-page itineraries, this software centralizes everything and reduces errors. It has already gained traction in F1, Formula 2, MotoGP, and IMSA.”
What’s Next for Szafnauer?
Szfnauer’s success with Softpauer and his role with Formula 1 Experiences has been great experiences. However he misses the competition in Formula 1.
“I miss the competition. I miss team building, being able to beat others who are expected to beat you. That’s what I loved the most about F1, and I miss that.”
With his extensive Motorsport knowledge and skills, it is only a matter of time before Otmar Szafnauer finds a new role for himself within the sport. Wether the role is with a new 12th team, or an existing one his return would undoubtedly add another intriguing chapter to career in this sport.
Feature image credit Otmar Szafnauer via Instagram
