Otmar Szafnauer isn’t done with Formula 1—not by a long shot.
At 60 years old, the former Aston Martin and Alpine team principal believes he still has unfinished business in the paddock, making it clear that retirement isn’t on his radar just yet.
And with his Alpine gardening leave now expired, Szafnauer is a free agent—ready, willing, and waiting for the right opportunity to shake up the F1 grid once again.
Szafnauer’s Exit from Alpine: A Short-Lived Stint That Never Took Off
After 25 years in Formula 1, Szafnauer’s most recent role with Alpine was cut short in mid-2023, following a disappointing start to the season.
- His first season (2022) saw Alpine finish fourth, ahead of McLaren.
- Expectations were high for 2023, but performance stagnated, and internal tensions led to a mid-season exit.
- The team never built on its momentum, and Szafnauer was shown the door before he could truly reshape the project.
Prior to Alpine, he spent over a decade with the Silverstone-based outfit, leading Force India, Racing Point, and Aston Martin through one of the most impressive underdog runs in F1 history.
But now, he’s looking forward—not backward.
“F1 is not behind me,” Szafnauer told Planet F1.
“I turned 60 last year, I think I’ve got another five or six years left before I want to retire.”
What’s Next? Szafnauer Wants a ‘Real’ Leadership Role
Szafnauer isn’t interested in just any F1 job. He wants a role where he can actually make a difference—not just a title for the sake of being in the paddock.
“If I can help a team with my knowledge and experience to move them up the grid, I would like that as a challenge,” he said.
“But it’s got to be in the right position… I want to have the latitude and authority to actually make a difference.”
Translation? He won’t take a job where he’s a figurehead with no real power.
This could limit his options—most top teams already have strong leadership structures—but smaller or struggling teams might be an ideal fit.
A New F1 Team? Szafnauer’s Billion-Dollar Vision
If Szafnauer can’t find the right team to join, he might just build one himself.
He confirmed discussions with U.S. investors about forming a 12th F1 team, with backing from a major car manufacturer.
“I’ve been working with some American funders and some car manufacturers to look at a 12th team for the future,” he revealed.
- Initially, he had hoped to land the 11th F1 slot, but Cadillac beat him to it.
- With F1 expanding, a 12th team could be on the horizon, and Szafnauer is positioning himself to lead it.
This is a high-stakes gamble—F1 hasn’t officially committed to adding a 12th team yet, and current teams aren’t eager to split the prize money further.
But if the right manufacturer and financial backing come together, Szafnauer could be at the helm of an all-new F1 entry.
Final Verdict: Where Will Szafnauer Land?
At 60, Otmar Szafnauer isn’t slowing down. Whether he joins an existing team or builds his own, expect him to make waves in the F1 paddock sooner rather than later.
“I don’t want to work till I’m 82, but 65 to 67 sounds like a good time to retire,” he said. “I think 60 is a bit too young.”
With his experience, leadership, and deep industry connections, it’s only a matter of time before he’s back in the game.
