Former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer is adamant that he wants to submit “the best” application should the door be opened by the FIA for a 12th team to join the grid.
Szafnauer was speaking at the Miami Grand Prix: Fuelling the City’s Global Spotlight event on Thursday evening, run by Axios in conjunction with The Race.
Since parting company with Alpine in the summer of 2023 Szafnauer has been talking to potential investors and partners about a future entry bid.
Cadillac’s successful application for the 11th spot has indicated a clear pathway, with any bidder having to prove that its team will add value to the championship – and the support of a major manufacturer is now regarded as a necessity.
Asked about his ambition to join the grid, Szafnauer told a packed audience of Miami business leaders and entrepreneurs he’s convinced there is space for a 12th team.
“In my 28 years, there was a time where we had 12 teams in F1,” he said. “And prior to me joining – I signed my contract [with BAR] in ‘97 and joined in ’98 – there were even more, when they used to have pre-qualifying.
“So I think there's room for a 12th team. And if a 12th team does happen, I want to be prepared, in order to be the successful bidder for the 12th team. So that's what I've been working on.”
Szafnauer argued there are more than enough talented drivers worthy of F1 places - and currently missing out - to justify the grid being expanded to 24 cars.
“There's definitely enough space for 12 teams,” he said. “I think 24 cars on track is better than 22, and 12 teams is better than 11. But there's definitely room, physical space, and if those 12 teams can all be competitive and share the glory of winning, it's even better if you have 24 drivers.
“And we have 20 of the best drivers in the world, that will now go to 22 in one year's time. I think there's so many great drivers and only so few spots in F1.
“To add another two is worthwhile for the driving community and those coming up.
“The amount of great drivers Red Bull have got rid of is incredible. And they own two teams. Maybe they can own a third, then keep some of them…”
Szafnauer acknowledged that should an entry process be opened his project would face stiff competition.
There were multiple applications when the FIA last opened the door in January 2023, although only Andretti/Cadillac cleared all the hurdles and reached the final stage.
“Cadillac was given the 11th spot,” he said. “I believe there were five bidders or five applicants for that spot, and one was chosen by the FIA, which was Cadillac, and eventually by F1, or Liberty.
“So I would imagine when they open up the bidding process for that 12th team, there will be more than one applicant. So I want to be in a position to make sure that my application will be the best amongst those that will apply.”
Szafnauer acknowledged that it’s unusual in the modern era to have a team principal who is also an owner, which would be his likely role if his planned project happens.
"Yeah, it has changed,” he said. “In the day of Frank Williams, where he was team principal, the late Eddie Jordan, team principal and owner, Ron Dennis, team principal and owner, Ken Tyrrell, team principal and owner - even Toto Wolff today, he's team principal and owner.
“That's changing. It seems like the ownership is now separated from team principals. And it seems like in today's era, the team principals seem to be more engineering focused and engineering led, where the ownership, or maybe the CEOs, do the business end of it.
“And I was fortunate enough to be a CEO and team principal, where I had to do everything for an owner like Vijay Mallya, or Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin.”
He added: “If you can do both, and Toto can, I think you gain efficiencies. You don't have to rely on somebody else. You lead the team yourself in both the commercial aspect as well as the technology aspect, and both are important these days.
“So yeah, you definitely gain efficiencies, and if you're owner/manager, you have a bit of skin in the game. Although there's huge passion in F1, there's just a little bit more.”
Other speakers at Thursday's event included TMG Motorsports and Cadillac F1 boss Dan Towriss, and Miami mayor Francis Suarez.
