Aston Martin announces the departure of Otmar Szafnauer

Aston Martin have announced that Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer has left the Silverstone-based squad. The team is yet to name the successor of the Romanian-American engineer.

Szafnauer has been part of the Silverstone-based outfit for the past twelve years after joining the outfit in 2009 when it was Force India. It is unknown where Szafnauer will continue his career, although there were rumours at the end of last year which linked him with a move to the Alpine F1 Team.

"Otmar Szafnauer has left the company and his role at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 team will be managed within the leadership team until a replacement is appointed," the statement read.

"We would like to thank him for the service provided to the team over the past 12 years and wish him well for the future as he will undoubtedly take on new challenges.

"Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable to take a little time to explore options before announcing a new team structure. The focus of the team is currently on preparing the most competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season."