Alpine terminated Otmar Szafnauer’s contract during the 2023 season, resulting in significant changes to the constructor. Despite receiving negative reactions, Szafnauer is hopeful of re-entering Formula 1 with a new American team. He disclosed that he was collaborating with organizations in North America that had the necessary funding to join the grid as the 11th team.
However, he clarified that this partnership did not involve Andretti. Despite the recent rejection from Andretti, Szafnauer’s team remains determined to join the grid and is in the process of establishing the necessary foundations. The entire situation has been intriguing for the former Alpine boss. Szafnauer, who had previously strived to elevate Alpine’s performance, finds the prospect of returning to the F1 grid in a leadership role with the 11th team exciting. He explained that his interest stems from his competitive nature and desire to influence a team’s competition in F1.
The addition of an 11th team to the grid was previously opposed by F1, so the new team must present highly promising prospects to be considered. Only time will reveal the outcome for the dismissed Alpine principal.