Szafnauer: Great to team up with Ocon again at Alpine

©Alpine

40

New Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer is delighted to rekindle his working relationship with Esteban Ocon but the American is equally happy to work with Fernando Alonso.

Szafnauer oversaw Ocon's development at Force India during two seasons – in 2017 and 2018 – when the Frenchman raced alongside Sergio Perez.

The pair have reunited at Alpine and the former Aston Martin team principal says his talented former protégé hasn't changed much since their days together at Team Silverstone.

"I know Esteban very well from his two seasons at Force India," he said. "Back then, he was young, raw, hugely talented and very quick on-track.

"In fact, not much has changed since. His talent is clear to see, and I was very happy and proud to see him claim his first Grand Prix win last season.

"It’s great to team up with Esteban again as I have a good relationship with him already."

As for Alonso, Szafnauer is less acquainted with the two-time F1 World Champion, but well aware of the Spaniard's qualities.

"Everyone knows Fernando’s exceptional qualities," he added. "His experience is invaluable, and I thoroughly believe the team’s line-up is amongst the strongest on the grid.

"It’s going to be enjoyable to work with a motorsport legend in Fernando and to reunite with Esteban."

Read also: Alpine unveils striking blue and pink 2022 livery

As he opens a new chapter in his long F1 career as a team manager, Szafnauer vows to bring his blend of leadership and experience to Enstone to help the French outfit progress up the order.

"Leadership skills are paramount to the success of any company, whether that be in sport, in Formula 1 or any other business," said the 57-year-old.

"It’s never an easy task, nor an easy journey, but that’s what makes the challenge so exciting.

©Alpine

"I’m a firm believer in passion, teamwork and respect for the Individual. We have to be passionate about what we do, whatever the task.

"A high-performing team’s key to success has, and always will be, teamwork. We’ll control what we are able to control, we’ll enjoy our journey, and we’ll enjoy the racing because that is what we’re here to do.

"As a team, we’re all racers and that is why we enjoy our work in Formula 1. With this passion and teamwork, I know success will come."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.