Otmar Szafnauer wants to return to Formula 1 with his own project. The former team principal revealed ambitious plans but faces a complicated scenario to make his return to the grid viable.
Read more F1 today: FIA changes Miami and teams react before the return
The movement is relevant because it highlights the current difficulties for new projects in the category. With no available slots for a 12th team at the moment, the former executive is also considering alternatives outside F1, including IndyCar, although the path is not simpler.
Currently linked to Van Amersfoort Racing as a managing partner, Szafnauer is part of a group that wants to create a new team in Formula 1: “We want to establish a 12th team on the grid,” he indicated in recent statements, highlighting the consortium’s ambition. However, the absence of concrete opportunities in the category forces the group to study other scenarios.
Read more F1: Bearman reveals clear goal and wants Ferrari spot
In IndyCar, there are two possibilities: starting a team from scratch or acquiring an existing one. The first option involves high cost and risk, mainly due to the absence of a franchise system, the so-called ‘charter’, which guarantees participation in races and revenue sharing. Without this, the operation becomes financially unstable, as demonstrated by teams facing recent difficulties.
The most viable alternative would be to buy a team with a ‘charter’, but few are available. Names like Dale Coyne Racing and JHR emerge as possible opportunities, although no negotiations are confirmed. Given this scenario, Szafnauer continues to search for a project that allows his return to leading a team in high-level motorsport.
Read more F1: Piastri evaluates if rule change will help McLaren get closer to Mercedes
