Former Otmar Szafnauer, who previously led Aston Martin and Alpine F1 Team, has joined the Van Amersfoort Racing junior outfit as chief executive officer and managing partner.
Szafnauer has not held an active role in Formula 1 since his high-profile departure from Alpine during the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix weekend. His appointment at Van Amersfoort Racing comes ahead of the 2026 F2 season and marks a return to a leadership role within motorsport, focusing on developing the next generation of racing talent.
The move allows Szafnauer to bring his extensive team management and strategic experience to a feeder series environment, shaping both the team’s operations and the careers of emerging drivers.
Otmar Szafnauer has expressed excitement about his new role at Van Amersfoort Racing, saying:
“Van Amersfoort Racing has a strong reputation for developing talent and competing at a high level across multiple categories. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and the wider organisation to guide the next phase of the team’s development.”
Brad Joyce added that Szafnauer’s appointment “significantly strengthens VAR as we continue to evolve and pursue our long-term vision,” highlighting the value of his experience and leadership.
For the 2026 F2 season, Van Amersfoort will field Argentina’s Nicolas Varrone and Mexico’s Rafael Villagomez. The team, known for its presence across multiple junior single-seater categories, has a long history of nurturing future F1 talent. Notably, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen won the Formula Opel Lotus Benelux title with the team in 1992, and his son Max Verstappen spent the 2014 Formula 3 season with Van Amersfoort before becoming the youngest driver in F1 history in 2015.
Szafnauer has also hinted at long-term ambitions in Formula 1, revealing plans for a potential 12th F1 team backed by American investors and a car manufacturer. He told last year:
“I’ve been working with some American funders and some car manufacturers to look at a 12th team for the future. When they open up the process of adding the 12th team, I hope to be able to put in a robust case to allow the 12th team to go to the people that I have funding it, as well as the manufacturer that I’m working with.”
Szafnauer’s move to Van Amersfoort Racing positions him at the heart of junior driver development while keeping his sights set on a potential future return to Formula 1 team ownership.