Andretti continues to work on his team: talking to this ex-F1 team boss
F1 News
Otmar Szafnauer had expected a lot of his job as Alpine's team principal, but after only a season and a half the partnership came to an end. For six months now, the Romanian American has been sitting at home unemployed, but perhaps not for long. Szafnauer, previously successful at Racing Point, among others, may count on interest from Andretti-Cadillac.
Michael Andretti hopes to make his entrance on the F1 grid as early as 2025, but is still waiting for a 'yes' from Formula 1. Meanwhile, the American is not sitting still: he has already recruited dozens of employees, who are busy developing a Formula 1 car. For his organisation, Andretti continues to look for people, and has arrived at Szafnauer, among others.
Andretti wants to continue for many more years
The Romanian-American himself let it be known in conversation with Motor Sport: "I have had some discussions with Michael Andretti, he’d called me even before I went to Alpine, and I told him I’d love to help him," Szafnauer said. "TThey have to get the F1 entry first, because without an entry how can I help him? If they are accepted then I will be able to discuss getting involved, getting them started, getting them moving."
Szafnauer is now 59 years old and has a long career in motorsport behind him. However, he does not (preferably) want to think about retirement: "I’d like to continue but it’s got to be in a position where my experience, my skill sets, can be put to good use. I reckon I have another five to seven years in me."