via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – October 23, 2020 Racing Point Team Principal and Chief Executive Officer Otmar Szafnauer wearing face masks during a press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
In the latest update, Aston Martin has announced that Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer is no longer a part of their F1 team with immediate effect. Szafnauer had been associated with the team since 2009. It ran under the banner of Force India then. Moreover, the team clarified that top leadership will take over his role until his replacement is appointed.
He took over the responsibility of Team Principal in 2018. It had been rebranded as Racing Point under the ownership of Lawrence Stroll. The team dwindled down to 7th in the ranking in the 2021 season, compared to 4th in 2020.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 16, 2021 Aston Martin team principal and chief executive officer Otmar Szafnauer during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
Otmar Szafnauer shuts the door on the Aston Martin team
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The 2021 F1 season was a tough one for the Silverstone-based team. The best finish came in Azerbaijan GP with Sebastian Vettel finishing 2nd. This was the sole podium for the team for the entire season. The line-up of Stroll and Vettel put up some impressive performances, but the team lacked consistency on the grid.
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In an official announcement, the team announced Otmar’s departure and thanked him for his services over the past decade.
“We would like to thank him for the service provided to the team over the past 12 years and wish him well for the future as he will undoubtedly take on new challenges,” read the statement.
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“Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable to take a little time to explore options before announcing a new team structure. The focus of the team is currently on preparing the most competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season.”
via Getty
SOCHI, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Owner of Racing Point Lawrence Stroll and Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Racing Point talk in the Paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on September 29, 2019 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
The Silverstone-based team has provided no details about his replacement though. His role would be managed by the leadership team until the appointment of a replacement.
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F1 pundits speculate that the Romanian-American might join the Alpine team. Rumors of his shift to Alpine previously surfaced in November as well. However, he termed it as media speculation back then. Whether Szafnauer will actually go to Alpine is still uncertain.
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