Sauber drivers give Honda deal the thumbs up

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Sauber's Marcus Ericssson and Pascal Wehrlein are backing their team's deal to partner with Honda from 2018.

In an era of political correctness, a contrary opinion would have perhaps been a bit surprising. Still, both men believe the Swiss outfit has made the right call.

The Hinwill-based team currently enjoys a technical partnership with Ferrari, albeit one which relies on an older-spec power unit supplied by Maranello.

In its new arrangement, Sauber will be powered by Honda from 2018 and also use a gearbox supplied by McLaren.

"I think for the team it's a good step," said Marcus Ericsson.

"Obviously looking at it now it doesn't look so good, because Honda is having very big problems. But I think for longer-term it's the right decision for the team. I think there is potential there."

Pascal Wehrlein was on the same page as his Swedish team mate.

"I cannot say too much about it as I'm contracted to Sauber only for the 2017 season, but I think it's a great decision for the team," said the Mercedes protege.

"Hopefully Honda is able to do its part to give Sauber the chance to be competitive next year."

Honda-FIA moral agreement forced Sauber supply deal

Sauber is struggling this season at the tail end of the field as it copes with the power deficit of its tear-old Ferrari engine.

But Ericsson is hoping the performance shortfall will be minimized at certain venues.

"I think there will be certain tracks where we're going to struggle more and certain tracks where the engine is a bit less important.

"We just need to keep our spirit high and work hard and we need to develop the car during the season, like we have planned.

"Feeling sorry that we have an old power unit is not going to help with anything."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.