Szafnauer had long been expected to leave his role at Aston Martin, with Motorsport.com reporting back in November that he looked set to take up a senior role with the rival Alpine squad. Szafnauer said he had “no intention” of leaving Aston Martin and that he had a long-term contract in place. But Aston Martin announced on Wednesday that Szafnauer had left his role as team principal and CEO of its F1 squad. “Otmar Szafnauer has left the company and his role at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 team will be managed within the leadership team until a replacement is appointed,” the statement reads. “We would like to thank him for the service provided to the team over the past 12 years and wish him well for the future as he will undoubtedly take on new challenges. “Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of individuals, and we are comfortable to take a little time …