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Otmar Szafnauer Named CEO and Managing Partner at Van Amersfoort Racing

The former Alpine team principal is tasked with lifting Van Amersfoort Racing’s F2 and F3 programmes.

Overview

  • Van Amersfoort Racing confirmed Szafnauer will oversee performance across its junior-category operations, including Formula 2 and Formula 3.
  • The appointment comes as VAR prepares to race at Albert Park this weekend with two F2 entries and three in F3.
  • Team principal Brad Joyce said Szafnauer’s experience strengthens VAR and brings valuable perspective to its next phase.
  • Szafnauer began in the role on February 1 after leaving Alpine in 2023 over a culture-change dispute and later denying involvement in the earlier Oscar Piastri contract issue.
  • Alongside the leadership change, VAR named Ricco Shlaimoun as its F2 reserve driver for 2026 with the stated aim of targeting a 2027 race seat.