Newley appointed team principal Otmar Szafnauer has full faith in the team to become successful after launching A522 for the 2022 season.
Parting ways from his ex-team Aston Martin last January, It was announced last week that Otmar would be the new team principal of Alpine. There have been new developments in the team structure over the months.
The team is under the restructuring phase after the departure of Executive Director Marcin Budkowski and four-time F1 champion and Non-Executive Director Alain Prost.
During the launch of A522 at an event in Paris, Otmar spoke about his delight in being asked to be the team principal at Alpine. Otmar has a history with Alpine as the team was his nemesis in the recent past.
“I’m exceptionally proud to be joining BWT Alpine F1 Team as Team Principal,” said Szafnauer. “I’m very grateful to Laurent [Rossi, Alpine Chief Executive Officer] for the trust to lead this team in my role and I’m looking forward to beginning this new journey.
“I know a lot about the team as they were fierce competitors from my previous roles. I know just how good this team is, and, indeed, how good it can become. The personnel on board, and both drivers, are so strong and I’m excited to get down to business.
“We have to be passionate about what we do, whatever the task,” added Szafnauer. “A high-performing team’s key to success has, and always will be, teamwork. We’ll control what we are able to control, we’ll enjoy our journey, and we’ll enjoy the racing because that is what we’re here to do. As a team, we’re all racers and that is why we enjoy our work in Formula 1. With this passion and teamwork, I know success will come.”
Otmar will once again team up with 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner Ocon.
Esteban Ocon and Otmar were teammates when Ocon drove for him at Force India and Racing point in 2017-2018.
As delighted Otmar is to team up with Ocon, he’s also looking forward to working with 2 times World Champion Fernando Alonso.
“I know Esteban very well from his two seasons at Force India,” said Szafnauer. “Back then, he was young, raw, hugely talented, and very quick on-track. In fact, not much has changed since. His talent is clear to see, and I was very happy and proud to see him claim his first Grand Prix win last season. It’s great to team up with Esteban again as I have a good relationship with him already.
“Everyone knows Fernando’s exceptional qualities. His experience is invaluable, and I thoroughly believe the team’s line-up is amongst the strongest on the grid. It’s going to be enjoyable to work with a motorsport legend in Fernando and to reunite with Esteban.”
