MUNICH – Otmar Szafnauer is no longer the team boss and CEO of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. The British racing team announced on Wednesday.
“Otmar Szafnauer has left the company and his role at Aston Martin will be managed within the management team until a successor is appointed,” said a statement from the team that has led Sebastian Vettel since 2021.
Speculation about switching to the Alps
Szafnauer has been with the Silverstone-based team since 2009, which previously competed in Formula 1 under the names Force India and Racing Point. The 57-year-old’s departure from Aston Martin came as no surprise.
And already in November research by Motorsport.com showed that Szafnauer was on the verge of switching to the rival Alpine team.
When asked, Szafnauer confirmed at the time that he had “no intention” of leaving Aston Martin. As we now know, this was just my rant.
Aston Martin suggests Szafnauer will stay in Formula 1
“We would like to thank him for the service he has rendered to the team over the past twelve years and we wish him all the best for the future, as he will undoubtedly face new challenges,” Aston Martin said in the official announcement. That Szafnauer will remain with Formula 1.
When looking for a successor, Aston Martin doesn’t want to rush into anything. “Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of people and we are happy to take the time to explore options before announcing a new team structure. The team is currently focused on preparing the most competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season.”
An internal solution is also possible. In September, Aston Martin had already appointed Martin Whitmarsh, the former team boss of the McLaren Formula 1 racing team, as its chief technology officer.
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