Otmar Szafnauer – Leadership from the pinnacle of Formula 1

Otmar Szafnauer brings more than 30 years of experience from one of the most demanding and visible industries in the world: Formula 1. Across senior leadership roles at Honda Racing, Force India, Racing Point, Aston Martin and Alpine F1 Team, he has built a reputation for technical expertise, calm authority and an empathetic leadership style that brings out the best in people.

His career places him at the centre of complex negotiations, regulatory change, financial uncertainty and fierce sporting competition. For audiences, this translates into rare, first-hand insight into how high-performance organisations are built, stabilised and scaled under pressure.

Shaping the sport at Honda Racing

As Vice President of Honda Racing Development, Otmar played a decisive role far beyond day-to-day operations. He became a trusted advisor in regulatory and commercial negotiations with the FIA and key stakeholders across the sport.

He chaired the Engine Manufacturers Working Group, collaborating with major OEMs including Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, Toyota and Honda. Together, they shaped Formula 1 engine regulations that would define the competitive landscape for years to come.

This experience gives Otmar a unique perspective on:

• Navigating complex stakeholder environments

• Balancing technical ambition with regulatory realities

• Leading negotiations where commercial and sporting interests collide

He shares how strategic alignment and clear communication can turn competing agendas into long-term progress.

Transforming Force India through adversity

In 2009, Otmar joined Force India as Chief Operating Officer. At the time, the team faced significant challenges. Through a relentless focus on performance, clarity of direction and psychological safety, he helped transform the organisation into a consistent top-four finisher in the World Championship.

One of the most defining moments came when the team entered financial administration. During this turbulent period, Otmar’s leadership ensured stability and trust internally. The result was extraordinary: every employee was retained through administration and into a successful sale of the team.

On stage, he breaks down what it takes to:

• Lead teams through uncertainty without losing morale

• Build a culture where people feel secure enough to perform

• Maintain competitive results while navigating financial crisis

His lessons resonate far beyond motorsport.

Victory and vision at Racing Point and Aston Martin

Following the administration process, Otmar became Team Principal and CEO of Racing Point. Under his guidance, the team achieved victory at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix and secured 4th place in the Constructors’ Championship.

When the team was rebranded as Aston Martin, he continued as CEO, leading the transition into a new era. He drove performance improvements and strengthened the organisation by recruiting key talent, including four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

Otmar shares how to manage rebranding, attract elite performers and align legacy with ambition. His approach combines technical depth with a strong belief in trust, empowerment and accountability.

Leading Alpine F1 Team to new heights

As Team Principal of the Alpine F1 Team, Otmar once again demonstrated his ability to lead through change. By implementing cultural shifts and strategic adjustments, he guided the team to its highest-ever finish in the World Championship.

His focus was clear: strengthen collaboration, refine processes and create an environment where innovation thrives. In a sport measured in thousandths of a second, these changes delivered tangible results.

Audiences gain insight into how marginal gains, when combined with strong leadership and aligned culture, create competitive advantage.

Book Otmar Szafnauer for your event

Otmar Szafnauer delivers a masterclass in strategic leadership drawn from real-world experience at the highest level of international sport. His key themes include leadership through change, high-stakes decision-making, team dynamics and innovation in performance-driven environments.

He speaks with clarity, credibility and practical relevance. Whether addressing executives, leadership teams or industry professionals, Otmar connects the intensity of Formula 1 with the realities of modern business.

When you book Otmar Szafnauer for your event, you secure insights shaped by championship battles, boardroom negotiations and organisational turnarounds. His story proves that sustainable success is built on trust, technical excellence and the courage to lead decisively when it matters most.