Former Alpine team boss, Otmar Szafnauer, has revealed his involvement in a new Formula 1 project in the United States. The 59-year-old American is collaborating with ‘several US investors’ who reportedly have the necessary resources to establish an eleventh Formula 1 team on the grid. Szafnauer, who has a long history in Formula 1, was dismissed by Alpine last year.
The eccentric former team boss recently appeared on the James Allen on F1 podcast. He disclosed his association with a group of American investors aiming to launch their own Formula 1 team on the grid. The project’s objective is to bolster American presence in the sport and compete with existing teams.
“I’m a natural competitor, I love a bit of competition,” Szafnauer shared. “If I return to Formula 1, I want a role where I can develop and build a team. But for now, there are only ten teams, all of which already employ such people. If an eleventh or twelfth team were to join, that would be something for me.”
“I’m working with several organizations in North America that have the resources to start a new team,” revealed Otmar Szafnauer. “And I’m not talking about Andretti. We are currently working on the basic elements we need to start a successful team and get approved by the FIA.” Further details about the investors and the project’s timeline have not yet been disclosed.
Otmar Szafnauer was dismissed by Alpine last year during the summer break. The 59-year-old American had previously worked at BAR, Honda, and Force India. His replacement, Bruno Famin, has since stepped down. The Enstone team has not yet appointed a replacement.
