The weekend just spent in Belgium it was enough to forget for Otmar Saffron. Although his team - namely Alpine - achieved a podium in the Sprint with Gasly and an excellent eighth position with Ocon, for the team principal things they didn't go well at all. Once FP1 was concluded, therefore in view of Friday's qualifying, Alpine issued a press release announced dismissal by Szafnauer who, immediately after the Belgian GP, would say goodbye to the French team.
The sudden farewell
News that left the paddock speechless, not only for the decision itself, but also for the timing. In fact, a stable had never been seen before torpedo their number 1 on the track during a race weekend, which also went quite well. Szafnauer had stated a week before the dismissal that he would remain in Alpine at least until his hundredth race, But this did not happen: "De Meo hired me and convinced me to join his project, Alpine's project with a 100 race plan and I think we're at about 30 races. 22 last year, 12 this year, so I still have some time left".
Szafnauer seen in the Aston Martin hospitality: return in sight?
Although some promises have not been kept, it seems that Szafanauer has no intention of ending his career in Formula 1. The scoop was launched by the journalists of Sky Germany, who said that during the Spa weekend they saw the now former Alpine team principal having meetings in Aston Martin hospitality. If a place opens up for Szafnauer in Silverstone team, there would be talk of a return, with the American who - before moving to Alpine - had held the role of Aston Martin team principal, now occupied by Mike Krack.
His words: “I prefer not to comment”
However, we are talking about simple rumors, even if the statements di Szafnauer makes it clear that there is some possibility of seeing him back in F1 soon"I do not want to comment. As you can see, my adventure at Alpine – Szafnauer admitted to Sky Germany – it just finished. Now I can join a new F1 team. Let's wait and see".
