The Formula 1 market seems to be always in turmoil. The grid of drivers who will take part in the 2022 season is now defined – with the sole exception of who will be the second driver in the Alfa Romeo house – but engineers and managers also seem to be able to move from one box to another in the paddock. In France, in particular, the rumors focus on a possible surprise engagement at Alpine. In fact, the former Renault team, which this year welcomed the two-time world champion Fernando Alonso back to the wheel, would be aiming – according to the authoritative site Auto Hebdo – to bring Aston Martin team principal to Enstone, Otmar Szafnauer.
Point of reference of the stable now owned by Lawrence Stroll since the days of Force India, Szafnauer would have been identified by the CEO of Alpine, Laurent Rossi, as the ideal figure to revive the ambitions of the Losanga company with the advent of the new technical regulation. At the executive level, the French group has experienced several shocks in the last year. We have gone from the dismissal of Cyril Abiteboul, to the promotion of Marcin Budkowski, to the arrival of Davide Brivio. In recent months, various rumors have circulated about Italian regarding a possible farewell, denied by the person concerned. Clearly, however, if Szafnauer really were to wear blue, some of the roles currently present in Alpine would have to be at least downsized.
Szafnauer on the other hand has appeared to be in one over the past few months position less and less solidto Aston Martin. The Brits’ project is clearly long-term, but the team’s clear setback in terms of performance from 2020 is clearly not liked by a demanding boss like Stroll senior. In addition, the arrival in the team of Martin Whitmarsh, a former McLaren strongman, with the role of Group Chief Executive Officer may have overshadowed the American manager a bit. Should this agreement be concluded, it would also be interesting to understand the post-2022 future of Sebastian Vettel, a purchase that was strongly desired by Szafnauer in the team.
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