Silverstone-based Aston Martin, owned by Canadian billionaire
Lawrence Stroll, said in a statement that a leadership team
would take over until a replacement was appointed.
There was no immediate comment from Alpine.
"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," Mercedes-powered Aston
Martin said.
"Fortunately, we are led and managed by a strong group of
individuals, and we are comfortable to take a little time to
explore options before announcing a new team structure.
"The focus of the team is currently on preparing the most
competitive car possible for the start of the 2022 season."
The season is due to start in Bahrain on March 20.
Szafnauer's departure came as no real surprise, his position
subject to considerable speculation last year.
French publication AutoHebdo reported in November that Szafnauer,
a long-time Formula One insider who worked with Honda and then
Force India owner Vijay Mallya before that team was taken over
by Stroll, had been approached by Alpine.
The Romanian-American executive failed to silence the rumour-mill,
despite saying he had a long-term contract with Aston Martin and
no intention of leaving.
"I love this team... I've been loyal to this team. I've had
many, many offers in the 12 years that I've been working for
this team, especially in the days of (Force India) bankruptcy
and insolvency," he said then.
"I could have left many times, but I'm loyal to the employees
there."
Aston Martin last year brought in former McLaren team boss
Martin Whitmarsh as group chief executive, a position above
Szafnauer.
Stroll has been investing heavily in the team, recruiting from
rivals and expanding the factory as he seeks to turn Aston
Martin into title challengers.
His son Lance is one of the drivers, along with four times world
champion Sebastian Vettel.
Aston Martin finished seventh overall last year, with Alpine
fifth.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Kevin Liffey and
Christian Radnedge)
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