Otmar Szafnauer, director of the Formula 1 Aston Martin team, which includes Quebec driver Lance Stroll, announced his immediate departure on Wednesday.
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The 57-year-old American had been with the team for 12 years, having been signed when the English team was called Force India.
Exit rumors peaked last November when his transfer to rival team Alpine was suggested. Szafnauer had reiterated that he had “no intention of leaving”, he who had recruited most of the members of Aston Martin over the years.
The manager did not comment on his sudden departure, but the team thanked him for his service over the past 12 years, wishing him the best for the future “as he will undoubtedly tackle new challenges” .
“Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable taking some time to explore our options before announcing a new team structure,” added the team. by press release.
Hired as Chairman and CEO of Aston Martin in September, former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh could now take the reins. As in 2021, Stroll and quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel will be the riders of the team.
Prior to joining Force India in 2009, Szafnauer worked in F1 for the manufacturer British American Racing and the Honda group.