Otmar Szafnauer transitioned from a fourteen-year tenure at the Ford Motor Company into a prominent executive career within Formula One. Born in 1964 in Semlac, Romania, he holds dual American and Romanian citizenship, having moved to the United States at age seven. His background combines academic training in electrical engineering with extensive experience in international motorsport management.
Early Career and Education
Szafnauer received his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit. His formal education also includes attendance at the General Military Academy and a master's degree in business and finance from the University of Detroit Mercy. He entered the automotive industry in 1986 by joining the Ford Motor Company, where he eventually served as Programmes Manager. During his time at Ford, he pursued an interest in competitive driving, attending the Jim Russell Racing Driver School and participating in Formula Ford events starting in 1991.
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In 1998, Szafnauer departed Ford to serve as Operations Director at British American Racing. Following his time there, he joined Honda for its return to Formula One in 2001. During his seven-year stint with Honda, he ascended to the position of Vice President of Honda Racing Developments and sat on the management board of the Honda F1 team. In 2009, he founded Soft Pauer, a technology company that released an official timing and tracking application for the iPhone.
Leadership at Force India and Successor Teams
Szafnauer joined Force India in October 2009, overseeing a period of growth that saw the team rise from seventh place in 2010 to two consecutive fourth-place finishes in 2016 and 2017. He played a key role in the team's decision to adopt Mercedes-Benz powertrains in 2014. He maintained his leadership role through the team's transition into Racing Point and eventually the Aston Martin F1 Team in 2021, before departing in January 2022.
Alpine and Recent Ventures
In February 2022, Szafnauer was appointed team principal for the BWT Alpine F1 Team. He held this position until July 2023, leaving the team following the Belgian Grand Prix. His post-Formula One activities include co-founding the logistics mobile application EventR with Alex Powell in 2024 and appearing on the High Performance Racing Podcast. In February 2026, he assumed the role of CEO at the Van Amersfoort Racing Formula 2 team.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Semlac, Romania
- Citizenship: United States and Romania
- Education: Wayne State University, General Military Academy
- Ford Motor Company tenure: 1986-1998
- Force India tenure: 2009-2018
- Alpine F1 Team principal: 2022-2023
- USF2000 Hall of Fame induction: 2013
- Van Amersfoort Racing CEO: 2026
Questions readers ask
What is Otmar Szafnauer's current role?
As of February 1, 2026, he serves as the CEO of the Formula 2 team Van Amersfoort Racing.
Did Otmar Szafnauer work in racing before management?
Yes, he was a racing automobile driver who competed in Formula Ford beginning in 1991.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Honda F1, Force India and Racing Point F1 Team
- Educated at General Military Academy and Wayne State University
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