Aston Martin Formula One principal Otmar Szafnauer says he has a long-term contract and has no intention of leaving as he faces a barbecue in Brazil on Friday over reports he has could move to Renault-owned rival Alpine.
Reports in France have linked experienced insiders with future Alpine restructuring.
Silverstone-based Aston Martin, owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, recently appointed former McLaren team chief Martin Whitmarsh as group chief executive, above Szafnauer.
Szafnauer took to Instagram on Thursday to say the speculation was “not based on fact” and told reporters at Interlagos he was as surprised as anyone by the media reports.
“I have no intention of leaving,” he said, adding that it was “humble and flattering” to be talked about in such a way.
“I love this team… I’ve been loyal to this team. I’ve had a lot of offers in my 12 years with this team, especially in the days of (Force India) bankruptcy and insolvency. maths.
“I could have left many times, but I’m loyal to the staff there.”
However, Szafnauer did not directly deny talks with Alpine or state with certainty where his future lies. He also said that he was not asked by Stroll, absent from Brazil, for any clarification.
“I learned a long time ago that predicting the future is impossible. And if I could do that, I’d be in Vegas right now,” he said.
The Mercedes-powered Aston Martin is seventh in the constructors’ standings, with Alpine in fifth but tied on points with Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri, who are sixth with four races left.
