The Aston Martin Formula 1 team confirmed on Wednesday that its chief operating officer, American Otmar Szafnauer, is leaving its F1 team. No replacement has yet been named but it appears Szafnauer will be joining the French Alpine squad as the real story unfolds.
For several months, the rumour of Szafnauer’s departure from the Aston Martin team has been touted by fellow journalists of AutoHebdo, a rumour quickly denied by the principal concerned himself. But on Wednesday, the British carmaker’s team confirmed that Szafnauer has left the company and his role in the Aston Martin team.
“Otmar Szafnauer has left the company and his role in the Aston Martin team. The team will be managed by the management team until a replacement is appointed,” a short statement said.
“We would like to thank him for his service to the team over the past 12 years and wish him well for the future as he will no doubt take on new challenges. Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable taking some time to explore options before announcing a new team structure. The team is currently focused on preparing the most competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season.”
TJ13 can reveal that the real story behind the departure has been confirmed by sources close to the Silverstone based Aston Martin team who say that Szafnauer has been out of favour with the management and owners, namely the Stroll family, since they aggressively ‘rescued’ the team from insolvency two years ago.
With a surprise year of great on track performances granting a reprieve in 2020 with their famous ‘Mercedes clone’ car, now the axe has inevitably fallen on Otmar who had been looking elsewhere for some time now, courting the French Alpine squad. TJ13 can reveal that major Aston Martin sponsor BWT will also be leaving the team for Alpine along with the American team principal.
Indeed, BWT decals have already been removed from the Aston Martin cars according to our sources.
Otmar is expected to join the Alpine team before the start of the 2022 season, unless he has to adhere to a one-year gardening period. Announcements are expected in the next few days.
