Otmar Szafnauer joins Jake Humphrey for new podcast venture as F1 return ambitions persist

Otmar Szafnauer returns to F1 media alongside Jake Humphrey and Rob Smedley while managing his 2026 CEO role at Van Amersfoort Racing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 12:26 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Powerhouse Trio Emerges

The landscape of Formula 1 media is set for a significant shift with the launch of "High Performance Racing," a new podcast fronted by veteran broadcaster Jake Humphrey. In a move that blends mainstream presenting experience with deep technical and managerial expertise, Humphrey is joined by former team principal Otmar Szafnauer and renowned race engineer Rob Smedley. The trio, who share nearly half a century of combined experience in the sport, aim to provide an insider's view of the paddock that moves beyond standard race recaps. The show’s debut coincides with the 2026 season’s resumption in Miami, positioning itself at a peak moment of interest for the global audience.

Humphrey Returns To His Roots

For Jake Humphrey, the venture represents a long-awaited homecoming to the sport that defined a pivotal chapter of his career. Between 2009 and 2012, Humphrey was the face of the BBC’s award-winning Formula 1 coverage, a period many fans recall as a golden era for the broadcaster. After a decade focused on Premier League football and the growth of his broader "High Performance" brand, Humphrey expressed that the timing was finally right to re-engage with racing. He noted that the new show is uniquely positioned because it integrates the specific perspectives of a team boss and a race engineer into a single narrative voice.

Szafnauer’s Dual Career Path

While engaging in the podcasting world, Otmar Szafnauer remains heavily involved in the competitive side of the industry. In February 2026, he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), a prominent team in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 feeder series. His role at VAR involves guiding the organization’s long-term strategic direction and talent development. However, the 61-year-old’s primary ambition remains a return to the pinnacle of the sport. He has confirmed ongoing discussions with American financial backers and car manufacturers to establish a 12th team for the Formula 1 grid, contingent on the FIA opening a new entry process.