Otmar Szafnauer, a former team principal in Formula 1, is intent on revving up his journey back to the high-octane world of F1 by leading a new team. With memories of a 12-team grid still vivid, Szafnauer is convinced that expanding the lineup can spark fresh excitement.
Formula 1 has long operated with a tight grid of 10 teams, with new entrants needing to prove their value. When the FIA opened expressions of interest in 2023, numerous teams showed interest, yet only Cadillac secured a spot, signifying F1’s readiness to grow if the deal is right. Cadillac, billed as an emerging powerhouse, plans to enter the sport in 2026 and is ambitiously working towards building its power units by 2029.
Szafnauer, speaking at a Miami event co-hosted by Axios and The Race, highlighted his belief in adding a 12th team to the lineup. Recollecting times when the F1 grid accommodated more teams, he expressed readiness to be a successful applicant for the anticipated open slot. His vision includes a grid of 24 cars, offering more seats for talented drivers and enriching the competitive landscape of the sport.
The process of integrating a new team is not without its complexities. Szafnauer points to his distinct advantage: a blend of business acumen and engineering prowess, akin to successful F1 leaders. He suggests that managing both the commercial and technical aspects internally gains not just efficiency but also a more vested interest in the team’s fortunes.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead and the cautious precedent set by Cadillac’s entry, Szafnauer remains optimistic. His experience, he insists, equips him well to submit the ‘best application’, eager to navigate the intricate F1 waters once more.
While the road to adding a 12th team to Formula 1 is fraught with obstacles, Otmar Szafnauer believes he is well-positioned to overcome them. His determination, coupled with a strategic outlook on team management, could indeed see him leading the charge into a new era of racing excitement.
