Van Amersfoort Racing owners, led by Otmar Szafnauer, target entry as F1's 12th team
Former F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer and Van Amersfoort Racing owner Rafael Villagómez Sr. are preparing a bid to become Formula 1's 12th team. Their partnership, which also involves Szafnauer leading the VAR junior team, is simultaneously evaluating an entry into IndyCar as part of a broader motorsport expansion strategy.
Otmar Szafnauer, the new CEO of Dutch junior team Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), and majority shareholder Rafael Villagómez Sr. are actively pursuing the establishment of Formula 1's 12th team. Their collaboration, which began with discussions about an F1 entry, has now expanded to include Szafnauer taking a leadership role at VAR, with IndyCar team ownership also a serious near-term consideration.
Why it matters:
The potential addition of a new team, backed by experienced F1 leadership and significant investment, could inject fresh competition into the grid. With F1's popularity and value at an all-time high, serious expressions of interest like this test the sustainability of the current 10-team model and could reshape the competitive landscape in the coming years.
The details:
- Szafnauer and Villagómez initially connected over plans to form an 11th F1 team, a bid that was ultimately awarded to the Cadillac-Andretti partnership.
- Their focus has now shifted to being ready for a potential 12th entry, with Szafnauer stating they are looking for "something interesting either for sale or the 12th team opens up."
- Szafnauer joined VAR as Managing Partner as part of this broader strategic relationship, moving beyond a traditional employee role to help guide the team's expansion.
- Beyond F1, the group is strategically evaluating expansion into other series, with IndyCar being a primary short-term target. Szafnauer confirmed they have looked at the struggling Prema Racing IndyCar operation but noted complexities due to the series' charter system.
- The historic Van Amersfoort Racing name, with over 50 years in motorsport, will be retained for the junior team. Any future F1 or IndyCar project could operate under a different brand, depending on the acquisition.
What's next:
The immediate path forward hinges on Formula One Management (FOM) formally opening the process for a 12th team. Szafnauer's group is positioned to submit a bid when that opportunity arises. In parallel, their exploration of an IndyCar team acquisition continues, with the charter system being a key factor in any decision. This dual-track approach shows a strategic plan to build a multi-series racing entity, using VAR as a foundation, while keeping the ultimate prize of an F1 team firmly in sight.