Otmar F1? Szafnauer reveals F1 team proposal

As Cadillac prepares to join F1, Otmar Szafnauer has revealed he has a “serious group of people” willing to back a 12th team.

Not only that, but the former Alpine and Force India team boss also has a manufacturer interested in joining the sport.

For a decade, F1 has been set at 10 teams since the arrival of Haas in 2016 and next year another American will join the grid in the GM backed Cadillac.

With the world championship bigger than ever, more and more countries want to host a Grand Prix and teams are extremely sought after assets.

The Cadillac news shows that it is now again possible for the F1 grid to be expanded having been set for so long.

Szafnauer revealed the strong interest behind him in starting a 12th F1 team on the recent episode of The Race Team Principal Podcast.

“The finances are in place. What I can tell you is that the financiers are serious people and they have the financial wherewithal to be able to fund a Formula 1 team,” he said.

“The car manufacturer that also wants to join Formula 1’s in place, so it’s just a matter of the timing being right to actually get the opportunity to start the 12th team.

“Perhaps in the near future, there might be some for sale.

“I think with the resources I’ve put together, within a short time, I could be competitive.

“I would hire the right individuals. I think I can get them to come.

“The car manufacturer that will produce a powertrain will be very competent.

“I don’t know when or if the process for a 12th team will open up, but if it does, I want to be ready and if it opens up relatively soon, then 2028, 2029 would be a fair timeline to get racing.”

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