Szafnauer open to F1 return: ‘I don’t want to miss the good years’

Former Aston Martin and Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has made it clear that his journey in Formula 1 may not be over just yet.

After over two decades in the sport and a wealth of experience guiding teams to punch above their weight, the American is open to returning to the grid – if the right opportunity presents itself.

Szafnauer’s passion for the sport, combined with his belief in his ability to make a tangible impact, is keeping the door firmly open for a comeback.

“F1 is not behind me,” he told Planet F1. “I turned 60 last year, I think I’ve got another five or six years left before I want to retire.

“I tell people that, when you go skiing at the age of 65 you ski differently than at the age of 75 or 85.

“If it’s not skiing that you like – if it’s mountain biking, for example, or whatever it is, you ski or bike differently at 65 than you do at 75… car racing or motorcycles or whatever hobby that you have.

“I don’t want to miss the seven or 10 good years of a hobby.

“I don’t want to work till I’m 82 but, 65 to 67, in that region, would be a good time to retire – I think 60 is a bit too young.”

A Seasoned Veteran with a Proven Track Record

Szafnauer’s legacy in Formula 1 is notable. He was a key figure in the development of Force India, guiding the Silverstone-based team through its various incarnations as Racing Point, and eventually Aston Martin.

Despite working with a modest budget, he led the team to outperform more resource-rich rivals, cementing its reputation as a consistent midfield contender.

Otmar Szafnauer at Silverstone in 2017 with Force India team owner Vijay Mallya.

In 2022, Szafnauer made the switch to Alpine, where he steered the Enstone squad to an strong fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.

However, his stint with the French outfit was cut short in mid-2023 when he found himself at odds with Renault’s management over the Alpine’s direction and its timeline to success.

Despite the setback, Szafnauer remains eager to apply his experience to help another team climb the grid.

“If I can help a team with my knowledge and experience to do better than they currently are, to move them up the grid, I would like that as a challenge,” he explained.

“But it’s got to be in the right position. The position has to have enough input into the entire organisation to make a difference.

“I don’t want to work for a team just to work for a team. I want to have the latitude and authority to actually make a difference, and the decisions that I make or help with have an impact.”

Exploring New Frontiers

Szafnauer’s ambitions extend beyond simply rejoining an existing team. He has been working with American investors on the prospect of creating a new team, aiming to secure a spot as Formula 1’s potential 12th entrant.

“I’ve been working with some American funders and some car manufacturers to look at a 12th team for the future,” he revealed.

“At the time, when I started the project, it was going to be the 11th team, but now Cadillac is in, so they’ve got the 11th spot.

“So when they open up the process of adding the 12th team, I hope to be able to put in a robust case to allow the 12th team to go to the people that I have funding it, as well as the manufacturer that I’m working with.”

Ultimately, Szafnauer’s return to Formula 1 hinges on finding the right challenge and the opportunity to bring real change to a team.

With his expertise, leadership, and hunger for the sport, the paddock may very well see Otmar’s return in the coming years – whether with an existing team or a brand-new entrant poised to shake up the grid.

Read also:

• Szafnauer: ‘Untrustworthy’ people at Alpine were out to get me

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