Otmar Szafnauer, a seasoned Formula 1 leader known for his roles at Force India and Alpine, dives deep into his career and personal philosophies. He discusses the crucial role of psychological safety and how learning from mistakes fuels success in high-pressure environments. Otmar shares his experiences from the controversial Oscar Piastri situation and the challenges of maintaining integrity under team pressures. His insights into leadership dynamics, trust, and the impact of being an immigrant shape a captivating narrative of resilience in motorsport.

Otmar Szafnauer, former team principal for Alpine and Aston Martin, dives into the evolving landscape of Formula 1. He questions whether modern cars' reliability is dampening race excitement. Otmar shares his journey from Romania to leading prestigious teams, revealing challenges of early racing dynamics and the intricate balance between speed and consistency. He also discusses the nuances of managing engines and how advancements in technology have shifted the sport's essence, blending humor with deep industry insights.

From rural Romania to F1 Team Principal, Otmar Szafnauer’s story is as inspiring as it is unlikely. Life as Alpine boss - coping with pressure from boards of directors, dealing with drivers and leading a team of 950 people - was a world away from his early childhood in a house with no running water, in a village with only two cars. In a conversation with Tom Clarkson recorded before Otmar left the team, he talks about what those early years taught him, the highs and lows of his decades in Formula 1, his views on the leadership of Alpine, the relationship between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, the 2023 success of Alpine’s former drivers and the challenge of turning the team into regular race winners.