Otmar Szafnauer believes Formula 1 has space for a 12th team as he endeavours to be the one who secures that spot when the next round of applications opens.
Szafnauer, who most recently headed Alpine before departing midway through the 2023 campaign, has kept a relatively low profile since leaving the F1 paddock.
But speaking during a Miami Grand Prix event hosted by Axios and The Race last weekend, he confirmed he is working behind the scenes on a potential team entry.
“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.”
Szafnauer’s reference is historically accurate. F1 has, at several points, hosted more than 10 teams – including the early 1990s when pre-qualifying sessions whittled down the field.
The current 10-team structure has remained intact since Manor’s collapse ahead of the 2017 season.
Discussions around grid expansion reignited when the FIA reopened an expression of interest process in 2023. Out of several applicants, only one team was ultimately approved: the General Motors-backed Cadillac entry. That team is now confirmed to join the F1 grid in 2026, initially using Ferrari engines before aiming to develop its own power unit by 2029.
“Cadillac was given the 11th spot,” Szafnauer said.
“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.”
Szafnauer aiming to emulate Wolff
Szafnauer’s ambitions go beyond submitting a name. His goal is to lead a team that reflects modern F1 values – combining technical performance with commercial viability.
He pointed to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as an example of someone who manages both sides effectively, and suggested that owner-led teams have an edge in motivation and efficiency.
“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.”
F1 has ‘enough space for 12 teams’
While the FIA and Formula One Management [FOM] have not yet confirmed a timeline for opening a 12th team bid, Szafnauer’s preparations suggest he expects movement in the coming months. The process that led to Cadillac’s approval took over a year and included lengthy negotiations across regulatory and commercial channels.
“There’s definitely enough space for 12 teams,” he added. “24 cars on the grid is better than 22 – and it creates more opportunity for talented drivers, engineers and staff.”
With Cadillac officially joining in 2026 and momentum building for further expansion, Szafnauer’s re-entry into the sport could coincide with a broader structural shift in F1.
And while the FIA has yet to formally launch the process, Szafnauer seems determined to be at the front of the queue when it does.
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