Szafnauer Slams Alpine’s Management: ‘Problematic’ Interference and Lack of Control Behind Team’s Downfall

Otmar Szafnauer criticizes Alpine's management for being "problematic"

Szafnauer expressed that several issues arose at Alpine, notably his lack of full control over the team.

Otmar Szafnauer has referred to the involvement of Alpine’s top executives as a "challenge."

Otmar Szafnauer held the position of team principal for the Alpine Formula 1 team for about a year and

During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, news broke unexpectedly about his decision to leave.

After parting ways with the team, Alpine has faced challenges, falling to ninth place in the constructors' championship for 2024.

During an appearance on the High Performance podcast, Szafnauer disclosed that the primary issue was his lack of "control" over the whole team, even though he held the position of team principal.

Szafnauer mentioned that several issues occurred at Alpine, one being that he lacked full control over the team.

To illustrate, I immediately understood that the human resources department wasn't under my supervision; instead, it reported directly to the authorities in France. Similarly, the finance department also bypassed me and communicated directly with the French headquarters.

"The communications team was not under my supervision, nor was the marketing and commercial division. I anticipated that this situation would lead to issues."

"Before accepting the position, I was told that everyone would be reporting to me. However, upon arrival, I found out that wasn't true."

"From the start, I realized it was going to be difficult, even though I believed I could handle it."

Alpine has been a major letdown in the 2024 season, managing to earn only 13 points across eight races.

They brought in Flavio Briatore to serve as a senior advisor with the aim of improving the team's performance.

Szafnauer was direct in evaluating the performance of his previous team.

He mentioned, "I’m not sure about their current position, maybe ninth in the standings, but today's situation is a complete failure."

"At that time, it's true you might move slightly backward, but occasionally you need to do that to make greater progress."

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