Szafnauer Insists Lack of Influence at Aston Martin Post-Whitmarsh Arrival Led to Alpine F1 Move

Alpine underwent many changes this season. The French constructor got a new sponsor which also added the pink color to their original all blue car. Further, Alpine welcomed the ex-Aston Martin boss, Otmar Szafnauer, as their new team principal. And Otmar shared his reasons for quitting his old base at Silverstone.

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Szafnauer has been part of Formula 1 for a long time. He was with Aston Martin since 2009 when the team was known as Force India. He further helped rebrand Force India to Racing point, to get the multi-year power unit contract with Mercedes. Otmar then served as the team principal for Aston Martin, which was the team rebranding from Racing Point.

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Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabia Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 26, 2022 Aston Martin’s Nico Hulkenberg during qualifying REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Even after spending over a decade with Aston Martin, the 57-year-old had to part ways early this year. Two months after leaving the Silverstone base, Szafnauer joined the Alpine as their new team principal. Recently, Otmar revealed that the management change and reduction in his influence led to his departure from Aston Martin.

The ex-Aston Martin boss shared, “Once it became clear the management structure was going to be as such, I didn’t have the influence I thought I should have with Martin coming in.”

What made Otmar Szafnauer join Alpine F1?

Alpine got their hands on the former Aston Martin boss Otmar Szafnauer to lead their team towards success this season. However, Szafnauer only joined the French constructors because they want his vast experience in the sport. This reason convinced the Romanian-American team principal to take the job in Alpine, who left his former job because of a reduction in authority.

Formula One F1 – Alpine A522 Launch – Palais de Tokyo, Paris, France – February 21, 2022 The new Alpine A522 car during the launch REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Szafnauer said, “All my discussions with the seniors [at Alpine] said the reason they wanted me to come was because of all my experience in Formula 1 and to apply that to Alpine and help us in the aim to win races.”

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“When the fellows that are hiring you say that, you feel very confident that is what they’re hiring you for and they want your experience. That’s why I went with the experience.”

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The French constructors are looking strong this season and were impressive in both the races. Although Fernando Alonso had to retire in the Saudi Arabian GP while teammate Esteban Ocon finished P6. But looking at their form this season, Alpine is taking steps towards a bright season. Let’s see how the 2022 season turns out for the French F1 team and their new boss.

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