Otmar Szafnauer details Toto Wolff's role in Force India's pink era
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 10:23 AM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026

On August 8, 2026, Otmar Szafnauer shared insights into the origins of Force India's iconic pink livery. The former team boss indicated that Best Water Technology initially sought a sponsorship with Mercedes, which declined. Szafnauer led Force India and Racing Point through the pink era, emphasizing the significance of this early partnership in establishing the team's unique branding. The conversation highlights key moments that shaped the team's identity in Formula 1, foretelling how such decisions impact team image and sponsorship strategies.
- •Szafnauer reveals details of Force India's pink livery origin.
- •Best Water Technology first approached Mercedes for a deal.
- •Mercedes declined the sponsorship proposal from BWT.
- •Szafnauer managed both Force India and Racing Point during this era.
- •The pink branding became a notable part of Formula 1 history.
- 10:23 AMMotorsport.com — Otmar Szafnauer reveals how Toto Wolff helped create Force India's famous pink F1 era
"Otmar Szafnauer has revealed the fascinating origin story behind Formula 1's famous pink livery, sharing that Best Water Technology (BWT) initially approached Mercedes for a sponsorship deal before being turned away by the Brackley outfit's board. The former team boss, who oversaw the Silverstone-based Force India and, later, Racing Point squads during their vibrant pink era, shed light on the ...Keep reading
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
F1•Sep 24, 2026, 5:00 PMAntonelli suffers hydraulics issue as Russell tops first Baku practice
F1•Sep 24, 2026, 3:36 PMLando Norris: McLaren’s Baku deficit is a “knife in the heart”
F1•Sep 24, 2026, 3:34 PMCadillac makes three major tech hires including former Red Bull design chief
F1•Sep 24, 2026, 3:03 PMJamie Chadwick reflects on "surreal" maiden Williams F1 test
F1•Sep 24, 2026, 1:45 PMLewis Hamilton summoned to F1 stewards after Azerbaijan GP incident
F1•Sep 24, 2026, 11:50 AMRed Bull officially locks in Verstappen’s team-mate for the 2027 season
