Szafnauer eyes F1 comeback: ‘I’m too young to retire’ – Otmar Szafnauer is far from finished with Formula 1. At 60, the former Aston Martin and Alpine team principal is making it clear that retirement is not on his agenda. After more than two decades in the paddock, Szafnauer believes he still has much to contribute to the sport and is actively looking for the right opportunity to return.
Now that his gardening leave from Alpine has officially ended, Szafnauer is once again a free agent. He is ready, willing and eager to re-enter the high-stakes world of F1 management, but only in a role where he can make a meaningful impact. Whether that means running an existing team or building a new one from scratch remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – he is not leaving F1 just yet.
Szafnauer’s Alpine stint: A short and frustrating chapter
Szafnauer’s most recent F1 role was as team principal of Alpine, a position he took on in 2022 after leaving Aston Martin. His first season with the French outfit was relatively successful, with the team finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of McLaren. It was a promising result that suggested Alpine was heading in the right direction.
However, things quickly unravelled in 2023. The team failed to make any significant progress, with internal tensions and stagnant performance preventing Alpine from capitalising on its previous momentum. Midway through the season, Szafnauer was shown the door in what many saw as a premature decision. His departure was part of a wider shake-up at Alpine, which also saw the departure of several other key figures, including Sporting Director Alan Permane and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry.
Szafnauer’s departure was emblematic of Alpine’s wider problems – constant management changes and a lack of long-term strategic vision. His tenure at the team never really got off the ground, and he was removed before he could fully implement his vision.
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While his Alpine stint was disappointing, Szafnauer’s career is defined by a long period of success with the Silverstone-based team, which went through several name changes – from Force India to Racing Point and then Aston Martin.
During his tenure, Szafnauer presided over one of the most impressive underdog stories in modern F1 history. Despite operating on one of the smallest budgets on the grid, Force India consistently punched above its weight, finishing regularly in the top five in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s success culminated in 2020 when Racing Point – effectively a rebranded Force India – secured a race win with Sergio Perez at the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Szafnauer’s ability to get the most out of limited resources is widely respected in the paddock. Under his leadership, the team has shown what can be achieved with smart management, efficient spending and a clear strategic direction.
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What’s next? Szafnauer wants a real leadership role
While Szafnauer is determined to return to F1, he’s not interested in just any role. He wants a position where he has the authority to shape the future of a team, rather than just being a figurehead.
“If I can use my knowledge and experience to help a team move up the grid, I would love to take on that challenge,” said Szafnauer in a recent interview. “But it has to be in the right position… I want to have the freedom and authority to really make a difference.”
His comments suggest he won’t rush into a job unless he’s given real decision-making power. That could make it difficult to find the right opportunity, as most top teams already have strong leadership structures in place. However, smaller teams – such as Williams, Haas or even the struggling VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri) – could potentially benefit from his experience.
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A new F1 team? Szafnauer’s billionaire-backed vision
If Szafnauer can’t find the right team to join, he may take matters into his own hands and build one from scratch.
He has confirmed talks with American investors about creating a 12th Formula One team backed by a major car manufacturer.
“I have been working with some American financiers and some car manufacturers to look at a 12th team for the future,” he revealed.
Originally, he had hoped to secure the 11th F1 entry, but that slot was taken by Andretti-Cadillac, who have received FIA approval to enter the sport in the coming years. However, Szafnauer is keeping a close eye on the possibility of a 12th team joining the sport, positioning himself as a potential leader of the project.
It is an ambitious plan, and one with significant challenges. F1 has yet to officially commit to adding a 12th team, and existing teams are reluctant to expand the grid due to concerns over prize money distribution. The recent backlash from current teams against Andretti’s entry underlines how difficult it is to gain acceptance in today’s F1 landscape.
However, if Szafnauer can secure the right financial backing and manufacturer support, he could be at the forefront of an entirely new entry into F1 – a move that would allow him to shape a team entirely according to his vision.
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Will Szafnauer return to the grid?
At the age of 60, Otmar Szafnauer shows no signs of leaving F1 for good. Whether joining an existing team or spearheading a brand new venture, his vast experience and leadership skills make him a valuable asset to any operation.
“I don’t want to work until I’m 82, but 65 to 67 seems like a good time to retire,” said Szafnauer. “I think 60 is a bit too young.”
With a proven track record of driving teams to greater heights, it’s only a matter of time before he finds his next role in F1. His return to the paddock appears to be a matter of when, not if.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
