Otmar Szafnauer leading efforts to bring 12th team to F1

Former Formula 1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer believes Formula 1 needs a 12th team on the grid – and the American is setting his sights on leading the effort to make it happen.

With General Motors-backed Cadillac recently securing approval to join the frayin 2026, Szafnauer sees the move as a signal that Formula 1 is open to expansion if the right proposal is on the table. Now, he’s preparing to be next in line.

Speaking at an event co-hosted by Axios and The Race during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, the former Aston martin and Alpine team boss expressed his belief that the series has ample capacity for another team, and he hopes to leverage his extensive experience to craft a winning bid.

“I want to be prepared”

“In my 28 years, there was a time where we had 12 teams in F1,” Szafnauer 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.”

His argument is simple: a fuller grid means more competition, more opportunities for drivers, and more excitement for fans.

“There’s definitely enough space for 12 teams,” Szafnauer added.

“Cadillac was given the 11th spot. 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.”

Experience and skin in the game

Szafnauer’s vision for a twelfth team is underpinned by his belief in the power of integrated leadership.

Drawing on examples like Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, he argues that team principals who combine commercial acumen with technical expertise can unlock significant efficiencies.

“If you can do both, and Toto can, I think you gain efficiencies,” he said. “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.”

This dual focus is central to Szafnauer’s strategy as he prepares his bid. He recognizes that the modern F1 landscape demands not only sporting prowess but also a robust business model, especially given the sport’s increasing commercial complexity.

His tenure at teams like Alpine, Racing Point, and BAR has equipped him with the insights needed to navigate both realms, and he’s determined to apply that expertise to make his application stand out.

The road to a twelfth team, however, is fraught with challenges. Cadillac’s protracted journey to approval underscores the high bar set by the FIA and Formula One Management.

Read also:

• Andretti: Cadillac’s American driver dream may need to wait

Skeptics may question whether F1 is ready to greenlight another team so soon, but Szafnauer remains undeterred. His proactive approach—already working on a bid in anticipation of a future opportunity—reflects his determination to be at the forefront when the FIA next opens its doors.

For Szafnauer, a twelfth team isn’t just a possibility; it’s a necessity to elevate Formula 1’s global appeal and competitive depth.

As he prepares to lead this charge, the sport may yet see a new chapter in its ongoing evolution.

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