Szafnauer spotted in Aston Martin hospitality, will a return happen?
Rumors
Otmar Szafnauer has been out of work for several days. The team boss was sidelined by Alpine, although the team reported that the contract had been terminated by mutual consent. During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Szafnauer was spotted directly in the hospitality of Aston Martin, his previous employer. Is a return in the making?
It is probably a bit early to say anything about that. Szafnauer himself kept his lips sealed on that subject. "I won't comment," he said after being asked earlier at Sky's German branch about his plans for 2024. "As you can see, my adventure at Alpine has just ended. From now on, I can join a new F1 team. Let's wait and see..."
Back at Aston Martin?
Szafnauer let it be known on the day of his 'resignation' that he still sees a future for himself in Formula 1. Will that be at Aston Martin? It could be, but it could also be that it was a simple visit to say goodbye to his former colleagues with whom he worked for years before leaving for Alpine.
In early January 2022, it became clear that Szafnauer was leaving Aston Martin, having spent years (successfully) as team boss there (with the former Force India and Racing Point teams too). Several things changed since Lawrence Stroll took over, and Szafnauer's position came under pressure when he recruited former McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh. Whitmarsh would not get too involved with Aston Martin's Formula 1 team, but he eventually did. Doubts grew about Szafnauer's position and his added value, and so a parting of the ways occurred.
A role as team boss at Aston Martin might be a bit difficult, as Mike Krack is doing well, and people are satisfied with the performance of the Luxembourger. However, many Aston Martin employees know Szafnauer well, and that might play into a return (in whatever role). To be continued, no doubt...