Aston Martin Formula One Team announced on Wednesday that Otmar Szafnauer had left his role as team principal and CEO of its F1 squad.
Szafnauer had long been expected to leave his role at Aston Martin after recent organizational change by team management, with Motorsport.com reporting back in November that he looked set to take up a senior role with the rival Alpine squad.
Szafnauer said he had “no intention” of leaving Aston Martin and that he had a long-term contract in place. But team released an official statement to confirm the departure of long serving Detroit based engineer.
Official Statement from Aston Martin
“Otmar Szafnauer has left the Company and his role at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team will be managed within the leadership team until a replacement is appointed.
We would like to thank him for the service provided to the team over the past 12 years and wish him well for the future as he will undoubtedly take on new challenges.
Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable to take a little time to explore options before announcing a new team structure.
The focus of the team is currently on preparing the most competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season.”
