Szafnauer has to take 12 months off: 'Already had talks though'

What Otmar Szafnauer did at Force India, Racing Point and Aston Martin, he did not get the time for at Alpine. The Romanian-born American has been let go at Alpine and has to spend 12 months on so-called gardening leave, but we may see him back sooner.

Szafnauer must wait a year for return to F1 team

At the same time as Alan Permane, Szafnauer was put to pack his bags after the Belgian Grand Prix. Szafnauer no longer fitted into Alpine's plan and was thrown out, after long-standing rumours of disagreement between the two parties over the plans that had been drawn up. While Szafnauer was still telling Sky Sports in Belgium: "From now on I can start working for a new F1 team", in reality things seem to be slightly different.

Indeed, Szafnauer wants to stay in F1, but is not allowed to join another F1 team for the next 12 months. He has the so-called gardener's leave and is not allowed to join rivals by way of a non-compete clause. Szafnauer tells Speedcafe.com: "Those 12 months mean no work at the F1 teams, but there are other things I can do in F1."

Plenty of work for Szafnauer in F1

Szafnauer: "So I could go and work for an engine manufacturer, for example, help them, or I could go work for F1 Experiences and help them, or Formula 1 or the FIA. So maybe I’ll be around in less than 12 months." With this remark, the former team boss also insinuates that he would love to return to F1 with another team.

In Belgium, Szafnauer did not want to say anything yet, but he seems to be able to say a bit more this time. Asked if he has already had an offer, Szafnauer says: "I have had discussions. If the opportunity arises to help a team at the pit wall, as a team boss, I would definitely take it. I've been doing that for 15 years now. That's what I know."