Former Force India team principal Otmar Szafnauer has come forward to reveal a remarkable act of leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the team’s history. Amid significant financial difficulties, Szafnauer personally covered the salaries for the entire Force India workforce on two separate occasions, ensuring that approximately 400 employees received their paychecks on t

Force India was a notable competitor in Formula 1 from its debut in 2008 until it faced administration in August 2018, following the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team’s financial woes culminated in a buyout led by Lawrence Stroll, who rebranded it as Racing Point, and it eventually evolved into the Aston Martin team we see today​. Szafnauer’s courageous decision to step in financially speaks volumes about his dedication to the team and its staff.

In a recent episode of the High Performance podcast, Szafnauer discussed the context behind his actions. He explained that the financial instability meant that salaries were often at risk of being delayed. “Twice, but it wasn’t that much,” he remarked when asked if it was true that he had covered the salaries himself. However, he quickly clarified, “It was in the millions”​

e money he used to pay the salaries came from a combination of resources. Szafnauer noted that he had access to funds from his business partner at Soft Pauer, a company specializing in app and website design. “We had money in the business. I had my own money, and I knew the salaries were not going to get paid,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation for employees who depended on their wages to survive.

Understanding the personal struggles of his staff, Szafnauer took immediate action. “Some people live paycheck to paycheck, and I understand it,” he stated. This empathetic perspective fueled his decision to ensure that payments were made, even if it meant fronting the costs from his own pocket​

The financial crisis at Force India reached its peak just before the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2018, prompting Szafnauer to act decisively. With Formula 1 payments typically scheduled to arrive shortly after the due dates for employee salaries, he faced a dilemma: either wait for the incoming funds or pay out of his own resources. “The Formula 1 money was coming in five days’ time,” he explained, illustrating the tight timeline. By choosing to pay the staff upfront, Szafnauer alleviated potential financial stress for his employees​

Despite his commendable actions, Szafnauer departed from Force India in early 2022, eventually taking a position at Alpine. However, his time there was also fraught with difficulties, culminating in his firing in 2023 over differing views on the team’s direction, Szafnauer’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of motorsport, where behind-the-scenes decisions can profoundly impact the lives of many. His selfless actions during a critical time for Force India illustrate the importance of strong leadership and compassion in any organization.