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Szafnauer wants to buy an F1 or IndyCar team

by sports••0
Szafnauer wants to buy an F1 or IndyCar team
Former Formula 1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer is exploring a return to team ownership, with ambitions that stretch into either F1 or IndyCar. A move into the American racing scene initially appears to be the more straightforward option for the former Alpine and Aston Martin principal, but GPblog understands the reality is far more complex.
Szafnauer, now a managing partner at Dutch outfit Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), alongside VAR majority shareholder Rafael Villagómez Sr., is part of a consortium with aspirations to establish a 12th team on the Formula 1 grid, as he recently told GPblog.

However, with no realistic entry route currently open into F1, the group is also evaluating the possibility of launching an IndyCar programme instead. While that may seem like a more accessible alternative on the surface, GPblog understands that securing ownership in IndyCar is proving just as challenging as breaking into Formula 1.

The options in IndyCar

For Szafnauer, there are two options if he wants to buy into IndyCar: start his own team or purchase an existing one. Starting a new team is an expensive and uncertain venture. After all, this team would initially not possess a so-called charter, a kind of fixed entry licence.

With a charter, a team is guaranteed participation in races and shares in IndyCar’s revenues. In any case, from 2028 onwards it will no longer be permitted to race in IndyCar without a charter. Quickly setting up a team now and hoping to eventually obtain a charter is not a smart move.

After all, IndyCar faces a major rules overhaul in 2028 (similar to what F1 has this year). Equipping a very expensive car (including other materials) for just one season, only to have to discard it after twelve months, seems like wasted money.

Photo: RacePictures

Without a charter, there is considerable financial risk, as the Prema team is currently experiencing. After one season in IndyCar, Prema, operating without a charter, is facing financial difficulties, partly due to a lack of revenue. Prema has not yet been able to make the start of a race in 2026. The team would like to sell the operation, but Szafnauer and his colleagues have so far shown no interest.

Szafnauer with the right offer?

To get on the grid, it therefore makes more sense to buy one of the teams that already holds a charter. As far as is known, none of the current teams are officially for sale. However, there could be an opportunity at Dale Coyne Racing, a team led by its now 71-year-old namesake. The American veteran may feel it is the right time to hand over the reins.

There could also be an opening at JHR. That team has been considering a sale of (part of) the operation for several years, without ever finalising a deal. It is possible that JHR would be open to the right offer, whether that involves selling a minority stake or, at the right price, even the entire team.