Want episodes before anyone else? Download The High Performance App: https://hppod.co/app

Otmar Szafnauer is a seasoned figure in the world of Formula 1, known for his leadership roles with teams like Force India, Aston Martin, and Alpine. Born in Romania and immigrating to the U.S. as a child, Otmar’s unique journey shaped his approach to success in one of the most highstakes sports in the world. His ability to navigate challenges both on and off the track has earned him a respected reputation within the motorsport community.

Partners
Huel Get £25 off the Taster Bundle. Unlock your offer here: http://huel.com/highperformance

Heights https://hppod.co/Heights Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20

FORA Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP

Betterhelp Be at your best. Consider therapy with our paid partner, BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/PERFORMANCE for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:
https://hppod.co/partners

In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with Otmar to explore his career highlights and personal philosophies. He shares insights on the importance of psychological safety in Formula 1, explaining how learning from mistakes is crucial, yet minimising them is key to sustained success. He reflects on his time at Force India, where he made a significant impact and established a reputation that emphasised trust and risktaking.

Otmar also opens up about his experiences as an immigrant and how that mindset has influenced his approach to decisionmaking. He talks candidly about his tenure at Aston Martin, where expectations didn’t quite align with reality, and delves into the controversial Oscar Piastri situation, providing behindthescenes details.

This episode offers a fascinating look at leadership, decisionmaking, and the personal stories that shape a successful career in one of the most demanding sports in the world.

0:00 Introduction
0:44 The Piranha Club
5:18 The Oscar Piastri Contract
9:42 Zak Brown Should Be Embarrassed
11:05 The Alpine Decline
18:51 People Talk a Good Game
23:28 Force India's Reputation
24:56 Toto Wolff's Values
28:02 Vijay Mallya's Influence
32:21 Lessons From Lawrence Stroll
34:58 Paying The Salaries
42:47 Why Do You Do This?
45:09 You Treat Them Differently
47:15 Daniel Ricciardo Situation
50:31 Sebastian Vettel's Work Ethic
52:17 Rubens Barrichello
53:34 Max Verstappen & Lando Norris
54:21 The Ultimate Marginal Gain
58:12 QuickFire Questions

#HighPerformance #OtmarSzafnauer #F1 #Alpine