Availability dot

Available to book

F1 Team Principal & motorsport leader

Otmar Szafnauer

Transform F1 team performance with Otmar Szafnauer, speaker and motorsport executive. Otmar works with racing organizations to develop high-performing teams, strategic leadership, and operational excellence, bringing 30+ years of Formula 1 experience as former Alpine and Aston Martin Team Principal.

Trusted by Alpine, Aston Martin

Otmar Szafnauer, Speaker | F1 Executive Expert
Otmar Szafnauer

Otmar Szafnauer

Oxford, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Otmar's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Otmar

Oxford, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Otmar Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Otmar Szafnauer's biography

At a glance

  • Former Team Principal at Alpine F1 Team
  • Former CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin Racing
  • Leadership and strategy expert
Otmar Szafnauer is a highly accomplished motor racing executive with over 30 years of experience in Formula 1. He gained recognition as Vice President of Honda Racing and later served as CEO and Team Principal of Racing Point (now Aston Martin Racing). His most recent position was Team Principal of the Alpine F1 Team until mid-2023. Otmar began his career in North America, where he founded and drove for his racing team before taking a managerial role at Ford, overseeing junior racing programmes. In 1998, he moved to Europe to join the British American Racing team as Operations Director, playing a pivotal role in establishing its operations. His leadership in planning, purchasing, and quality control laid the groundwork for future successes. The team became the Honda Racing F1 Team, and Otmar became VP of Honda Racing Development. He advised on regulatory matters and negotiations with the FIA and Formula One. He also chaired the Engine Manufacturers Working Group, collaborating with manufacturers like Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, Toyota, and Honda to define F1 engine regulations. In 2009, Otmar became Chief Operating Officer at Force India, transforming the struggling team into a high-performing World Championship competitor. His empathetic leadership and strategic direction were crucial in creating the culture of high performance and psychological safety that fuelled the success, further demonstrated when he led the team through administration, ensuring that no employees got left behind in the bankruptcy process and subsequent sale. Following the restructuring of Force India, Otmar became the Team Principal and CEO of the Racing Point team. The team won the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix and finished 4th in the World Championship for Constructors. He continued in his role when the team was subsequently sold to Aston Martin and continued to drive success, recruiting top talent, including four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Most recently, he served as Team Principal of the Alpine F1 Team, where he initiated cultural changes and led the team to its highest-ever finishing position in the 2023 F1 Championship. Throughout his career, Otmar has demonstrated a unique ability to combine strategic vision, technical expertise and empathetic leadership to achieve success in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.

Otmar's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Otmar

Book Otmar Szafnauer to inspire your team with his unparalleled leadership insights from the high-stakes world of Formula 1. His experience in transforming struggling teams into champions, coupled with his focus on culture and performance, will motivate and equip your organisation for success. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Check Otmar's availability

Trusted by Alpine, Aston Martin

Featured Projects

Otmar Szafnauer - James Allen On F1 Podcast E7 podcast cover
Otmar Szafnauer - F1: Beyond The Grid Podcast E242 podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Otmar Szafnauer for my next event?
Email otmar.szafnauer@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Otmar's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Otmar Szafnauer's speaking style like?
Otmar Szafnauer draws on over 30 years of direct operational experience in Formula 1 to structure his sessions around leadership and organisational transformation, using case studies from his tenures at Force India, Racing Point/Aston Martin, and Alpine F1 to illustrate how high-performance cultures are built under financial and competitive pressure.
What topics does Otmar Szafnauer specialise in?
Otmar Szafnauer speaks on team building, workplace culture, and leadership strategy in high-performance environments. He brings over 30 years of Formula 1 executive experience, having served as Team Principal at Alpine F1, CEO and Team Principal at Racing Point/Aston Martin Racing, and VP at Honda Racing.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.