Szafnauer targets Formula 1 return with Van Amersfoort Racing – Former Formula 1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer is setting his sights on the pinnacle of motorsport once again. Currently serving as CEO of Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), he is leading an ambitious project to establish a twelfth team on the Formula 1 grid, in collaboration with the team’s majority shareholder, Rafael Villagómez Sr.
This project represents Szafnauer’s latest attempt to re-establish himself in the leadership of Formula 1 after previous roles with teams such as Alpine F1 Team and Racing Point / Aston Martin. However, this time, his vision is broader and more strategic, potentially extending beyond Formula 1 itself.
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From Eleventh Team Bid to Twelfth Team Opportunity
Nearly a year ago, Szafnauer first revealed that he was working behind the scenes on plans to launch a new Formula 1 team. At the time, details were scarce, particularly regarding the financial backing of the project. It has since emerged that his collaboration with Villagómez dates back to an earlier attempt to secure the eleventh team slot, which has since been filled.
The coveted entry ultimately went to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, forcing Szafnauer and his partners to reassess their approach. However, with discussions ongoing about further grid expansion, the possibility of a twelfth team has reopened the door.
Rather than abandoning the idea, Szafnauer has doubled down, this time aligning the project with VAR, a well-established junior single-seater team with a proven track record of developing talent in Formula 2 and 3.
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Van Amersfoort Racing at the Core
The connection between Szafnauer’s F1 ambitions and VAR is no coincidence. His appointment as managing partner at the team signalled his clear intent to use the organisation as a foundation for future expansion.
Founded over 50 years ago, VAR carries significant heritage in European motorsport. Szafnauer has made it clear that this legacy will not be discarded lightly.
“Rafael bought Van Amersfoort and did not change the name,” he explained. ‘It has 51 years of history. If you buy something that already has a good name, you keep it.’
Whether the VAR name will extend directly into Formula 1 remains uncertain. However, the philosophy is clear: it is better to build on existing credibility than to start from scratch.
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Acquisition Still an Option
While the primary goal appears to be a fresh entry into Formula 1, Szafnauer has not ruled out acquiring an existing team as an alternative route onto the grid.
Such a move could bypass some of the regulatory and financial hurdles associated with new entries, though it would come with its own complexities, particularly given the current valuation of Formula 1 teams, which has surged in recent years.
Nevertheless, the willingness to explore multiple pathways highlights the seriousness of the project. This is not just a conceptual bid — it is a flexible, evolving strategy.
IndyCar expansion is also on the table
Interestingly, Szafnauer’s ambitions are not limited to Formula 1. He is also actively evaluating opportunities in the IndyCar Series, suggesting a broader motorsport expansion strategy.
One potential target is Prema Racing, which has struggled to establish itself in IndyCar. However, the series’ charter system complicates any potential acquisition.
“Prema wants to sell, but they do not have a charter in IndyCar,” Szafnauer noted. “If you buy, you have to buy something with a charter. You have to take that into account.”
This added layer of complexity means that, although IndyCar remains an option, it is far from straightforward.
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A long road lies ahead
Despite his ambition, there are significant hurdles to overcome before Szafnauer’s vision can become a reality. Formula 1’s expansion process is tightly controlled, with commercial, logistical and political factors all playing a role.
However, the foundations appear stronger than those of many previous attempts at entering the sport, with experienced leadership, financial backing, and an established racing organisation in place.
Szafnauer says that this is about more than just returning; it’s an opportunity to create something lasting. Whether through a new entry, an acquisition or a parallel IndyCar project, one thing is clear: his influence on the motorsport landscape is far from over.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
