Szafnauer: I feared Force India wouldn't make it

It was announced yesterday that Force India came to an agreement to come out of administration but the team's chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer admitted that there were moments when he thought the team would not make it.

The team were saved by a consortium led by Lawrance Stroll, father of Williams driver Lance Stroll, a deal which would see all creditors paid in full and save all 405 jobs at the Force India team.

Speaking to Autosport, Szafnauer admitted that there had been times where he felt the team wouldn't come out the other side of the process and would end up like Manor before them.

“Once we went into administration, there were a couple that have been there and didn’t come out,” he told Autosport.

“So, there is a lot of trepidation amongst all the team members, and a lot of anxiety, because we didn’t know where it was going to go.

“It’s a huge relief to know there’s a future for the team. We’ll be able to continue as a normal Formula 1 team.”

The bid to save the team led by Stroll almost certainly means that son Lance will be at the Force India team next season, but the name of the team is also set to change to. Rumours that the name could change by Spa are unlikely as it would involve all rival teams approval and could cost the team their prize money for this season.

“In the near future, we’ll have all those conversations," Szafnauer added. "But that’s looking forwards, not looking backwards.”