Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team CEO & Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer remembers the first time he experienced the drama and noise of a Grand Prix.
Otmar is the latest episode in the #IAMSTORIES | VOICES series, following on from Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll, Reggie Yates, and Dev Griffin.
"I liked racing from a very young age, from the 1960s," explains Otmar. "In the early 80s, when Formula One came to Detroit, where I was living at the time, I got to experience a Grand Prix live.
"From the minute I saw the Formula One cars going around the streets of Detroit, I was absolutely hooked.
"These days, it's a way of life for me. Everything from my time and my family's time is planned around the Formula One season, as well as the calendar.
Otmar's story
A love story that began on the streets of Detroit. This is Otmar's #F1 journey, in his words. In the latest episode of #IAMSTORIES | VOICES, discover a life dedicated to our sport.
"It's definitely a way of life. The competitiveness, the fact that it's the pinnacle of motorsport, and it's so difficult because everybody's working so hard.
"There's a lot of experienced and very competitive people within our sport. That's what I like the most. The value of winning a Grand Prix is very high.
"The greatest moment for me [in my Formula One career] has to be our Bahrain double podium and race win.
Explore #IAMSTORIES | VOICES
A global interview series that anyone with a passion for our sport can be part of. This series is a celebration of the diverse and unique voices who make up our world, from F1 legends, to team members and fans from across the globe. Everyone remembers the first time they experienced the noise and drama of Formula One. Share your voice, your experiences and connect with the world through #IAMSTORIES | VOICES. Begin with Sebastian and Lance's stories.
"My hopes are that we transform into a very competitive team on track, which I am certain we will do.
"Along with that on-track competitiveness, a business that's sustainable and one that we will be a part of for a very long time.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to achieve and I'm very proud to be part of the transformation of this team into Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team."
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