Formula 1

Szafnauer Opens Up on Return to Racing, Future of Racing Point

2 Mins read
Credit: Octane Photographic Ltd.

With factory shutdown having been lifted, BWT Racing Point F1 Team principal Otmar Szafnauer opened up about returning to work in the factory and his thoughts on the months ahead as Formula 1 gets back to racing.

“While the shutdown has indeed been lifted, we’re by no means taking anything for granted,” Szafnauer said in a press release. 

“It’s not business as usual – it’s business tailored to the new normal we now find ourselves in. We must continue to be vigilant in our effort to curtail further the spread of the virus – protecting the health and wellbeing of our teammates and those around us in the process.

“The situation continues to evolve and we’re ready to adapt as required.

“A huge amount of work has been carried out to prepare both our Silverstone factory and Brackley offices for a return to work – we’ve gone above and beyond the government advice in making our factory a safe place to work. 

“We obviously need to adapt to a new way of working and we believe the measures we’ve put in place will ensure that everybody can work safely and efficiently.

“We’re also continuing to follow government guidelines by only asking those employees who cannot do their jobs remotely to return to the factory. By initially limiting the number of staff on site, we can make the environment safer for those who do need to come in.”

With the factory back up and running, Szafnauer is excited to get the season started and is excited by the challenge of the condensed schedule. 

“It’s going to be an intense few months for us all. But a great deal of thought has gone into this calendar from all relevant stakeholders – including the teams, Formula 1, the FIA, the circuit owners and so on,” Szafnauer said. 

“We’re all in agreement that the proposed plan is manageable and, knowing what I know of our team, they’ll relish the challenge. At the end of the day, we’re all racers. This is our passion and we’re excited to get back to it.”

When asked about how the team felt about the new financial regulations that were approved by the World Motorsport Council last month, Szafnauer said the team was pleased with the outcome, and believes the team’s future looks bright under the new regulations.

“I believe the decisions we’ve reached as a collective between the teams, Formula 1 and the FIA have put the necessary processes in place to make the sport more financially sustainable and do so over a timescale that’s achievable for everybody.

“Ultimately, it’s in all our interests to keep all the teams in business and to continue providing great racing for the fans.

“These new financial rules give every team a more equal shot at achieving their potential and that can only be a positive thing for the sport. The future looks bright and our absolute aim is to be at the very sharp end of that future.”
“…we’re looking to the future and building a new legacy worthy of the Aston Martin name.”

Avatar photo
318 posts

About author
Lifelong sports junkie, currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Hofstra University. Lead writer for Indycar at The Checkered Flag.
Articles
Related posts
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix - TCF Driver of the Weekend

2 Mins read
TheCheckeredFlag Driver of the Weekend is revealed for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Team Principals are Saying after the Race

7 Mins read
The ten Team Principals reflect on drivers performances at Albert Park during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, a race that saw Ferrari claim their first win of 2024.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Drivers are Saying after the Race – Part 2

7 Mins read
Those who missed out on points in Australia reflect on their races, including Max Verstappen, who retired from a Grand Prix for the first time since the same event in 2022.