Otmar Szafnauer never really left Formula 1. After stints at Force India, becoming a pillar of Racing Point — a team he helped transform into Aston Martin F1 Team before taking the reins at Alpine F1 Team — the Romanian-American executive is now preparing his return…
Szafnauer: an ambitious project… but far from a done deal
A revenge after the case Cadillac
History could have been written differently. Saffron And its partners were among the candidates to join the grid. But the project ultimately slipped through their fingers, picked up by Cadillac. A setback… which clearly hasn't stopped anything.
Today, the leader is back with a new strategy: to directly target a 12th team, or failing that, to buy an existing structure:
"If there is something interesting to sell... or a space that becomes available, we will be ready. »
The message is clear: this is no longer an idea, but a plan.
Van Amersfoort, starting point of the project
While awaiting an opening, Saffron built behind the scenes. Now involved with Van Amersfoort RacingHe is not content with a traditional executive role. He has positioned himself as a partner, with a long-term vision.
The goal: to build a solid foundation… before aiming higher. Because behind this F1 project, another path already exists: a possible foray into IndyCar.
A grid that's overcrowded... and unwelcoming
But the main obstacle isn't sporting. It's political. And financial. The current teams are very unhappy about the arrival of a new competitor. More teams also mean less revenue to share. And from F1's management, the message remains cautious.
Stefano domenicali As has already been pointed out: the infrastructure is at its limit.
"We need to be careful... we're already at our logistical limit."
In other words: even if the door is not completely closed, it is far from being open.
Saffron He hasn't given up on F1. He's waiting for his moment. Between a takeover opportunity, a hypothetical 12th team, and gradual development behind the scenes, the project is progressing… slowly but surely. One question remains: in an already saturated F1 landscape, is there really room for a new player?
