Former Alpine Principal Otmar Szafnauer Named CEO of Junior Powerhouse Van Amersfoort Racing

Ex-Alpine F1 boss Otmar Szafnauer takes the lead at Van Amersfoort Racing. Discover his new role as CEO and managing partner in Formula 2 and Formula 3.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 5:44 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Crash.net

Szafnauer Pivots to Junior Formula Leadership

In a development that has caught the motorsport world by surprise, Otmar Szafnauer has officially transitioned from the Formula 1 paddock to a pivotal role within the junior categories. The veteran engineer and executive has been appointed CEO and managing partner of Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), an outfit renowned for launching the careers of elite drivers such as Max Verstappen. Szafnauer’s arrival marks a significant shift for the Netherlands-based team as it seeks to strengthen its executive structure. According to official team statements, the 61 year old will be tasked with optimizing performance across the organization's diverse single-seater portfolio, with a primary focus on their Formula 2 and Formula 3 campaigns.

A Proven Track Record of Engineering Efficiency

Szafnauer brings decades of top-tier experience to VAR, most notably his tenure at the helm of Force India and Racing Point. During his time with the Silverstone-based squad, he earned a reputation for achieving remarkable results on a limited budget, consistently punching above the team's weight class before its transition to Aston Martin. According to industry analysts, this ability to maximize resources is exactly what VAR requires as they compete against the well-funded giants of the junior ladder. Szafnauer expressed his enthusiasm for the role, noting the strong reputation VAR holds for talent development and his desire to guide the next phase of the team’s evolution.

Navigating the Aftermath of Alpine Turbulence

The move to Van Amersfoort Racing follows a volatile period for Szafnauer in Formula 1, which included an abrupt mid-season sacking by Alpine during the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix weekend. His time at the Renault-owned team lasted just over a year, during which he was caught in a series of management reshuffles and disappointing on-track performances. According to team principal Brad Joyce, Szafnauer’s appointment significantly bolsters the organization's long-term vision. By securing a leader with recent experience at the pinnacle of the sport, VAR is signaling its intent to bridge the gap between junior development and professional F1 standards.