Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has confirmed his involvement in a new Formula 1 project backed by American investors. The initiative aims to establish an 11th team on the F1 grid, adding a fresh competitor to the championship.
Szafnauer, who parted ways with Alpine during last year’s Belgian Grand Prix, has remained active in the motorsport industry despite his absence from a full-time F1 role. With extensive experience spanning BAR, Honda, Force India, and Alpine, he is now evaluating potential opportunities for a return once his contractual obligations with Alpine are complete.
A New F1 Entry Under Consideration
Speaking on the latest episode of the James Allen on F1 podcast, Szafnauer shared insights into his ongoing projects and future ambitions. Among them is an initiative focused on forming a new F1 team with U.S. financial backing.
“I’m a competitor, and what I enjoy most is competition,” Szafnauer explained. “If I were to return, it would have to be in a role where I can truly influence a team’s performance—helping to develop, build, and attract the right talent to enhance competitiveness.”
While acknowledging the limited availability of leadership positions within the current 10-team grid, Szafnauer pointed out that expansion remains a possibility. “There’s also the option of an 11th or even a 12th team, which could be an interesting prospect for me.”
He further disclosed that he has been working with North American organizations that have the necessary financial resources to establish a new team. However, he clarified that this effort is independent of the Andretti Global project, which has been in the spotlight for its unsuccessful attempt to join F1.
“We’re now laying the groundwork to ensure all the necessary elements are in place to launch a team successfully and secure an entry into the championship,” he added.
The Challenge of Expanding the F1 Grid
Discussions about expanding the F1 grid have been ongoing for over a year. The FIA opened a selection process for new teams, but despite greenlighting Andretti Global’s bid, Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, rejected the application. The decision was based on concerns that an additional team would not add sufficient value to the sport.
Andretti Global remains determined to enter F1, with ongoing development of its 2026 car at a new facility in Silverstone. However, it remains unclear how the team will persuade F1 stakeholders to reconsider their stance.
While the identity of Szafnauer’s American investors has not been disclosed, interest in Formula 1 in the United States has surged in recent years. The success of the Miami and Las Vegas Grands Prix, along with the popularity of the Netflix series Drive to Survive, has fueled significant growth in F1’s U.S. fanbase.
Szafnauer’s expertise in navigating the complexities of the F1 paddock could be a significant advantage for the new project. His deep understanding of the sport’s internal politics may help where other prospective entrants, such as Andretti, have faced challenges in securing approval from F1’s leadership.
As discussions continue, the possibility of an additional U.S.-backed F1 team remains an intriguing development for the future of the sport.
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