Otmar Szafnauer Discusses the Origins of Force India's Pink F1 Livery

Otmar Szafnauer has shared insights into the origins of Force India's distinctive pink livery in Formula 1, revealing that it stemmed from a rejected sponsorship proposal by Best Water Technology (BWT) to Mercedes.

Initially, BWT CEO Andreas Weissenbacher sought to partner with Mercedes, but the team's board declined, emphasizing their identity as the silver arrows. In a bid to keep BWT in the sport, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recommended Szafnauer as an alternative contact.

Szafnauer noted that after a brief negotiation, he decided to proceed with the pink color scheme for the upcoming Melbourne race, despite the absence of a signed contract or payment at that time. He ultimately took a risk that paid off, as BWT fulfilled its financial commitment.