Otmar Szafnauer, the former Alpine team principal, has revealed his involvement in a new Formula 1 project backed by American investors aiming to join the grid as an 11th team.
Szafnauer hasn’t had a full-time role in Formula 1 since his departure from Alpine at the Belgian Grand Prix last year. But, his extensive experience with teams like BAR, Honda, and Force India has kept him in the loop for new opportunities.
Speaking on the James Allen on F1 podcast, Szafnauer expressed his excitement about the new project. ‘I’m a competitor, and the one thing that I like more than anything is the competition,’ he said. He wants a role where he can influence the team’s performance, helping them develop and attract the right talent.
While there are only 10 teams currently, Szafnauer hinted at the possibility of an 11th or even 12th team joining the grid. ‘I’ve been working with some organizations in North America that have the funding to start an 11th team,’ he confirmed. Szafnauer clarified that this new initiative is not connected to the well-known Andretti project.
The expansion of the F1 grid has been a heated topic, with the FIA opening up the selection process. Despite Andretti Global putting forward a strong case, their entry was rejected by Liberty Media, F1’s owner, who felt an additional team wouldn’t add value to the championship. Andretti is still pushing forward, working on its 2026 car, but faces hurdles in convincing F1 otherwise.
Szafnauer’s potential return to the F1 paddock brings a fresh perspective. His deep understanding of the sport’s intricate politics could be a valuable asset for the new team. Some suggest that Andretti’s vocal approach has not done them any favors. Meanwhile, Szafnauer seems to be quietly building the foundation for a successful entry.
With F1’s growing popularity in the US, the involvement of American investors and an experienced figure like Szafnauer could mark an exciting new chapter. The sport is booming in the country, making it a prime time for new entrants to make their mark.
Szafnauer’s ambitious new project, supported by US investors, could change the landscape of Formula 1. As F1 continues to grow in popularity in the US, the prospect of an 11th team brings excitement and anticipation among fans and insiders alike.
