Wehrlein vindicated by Barcelona performance - Kaltenborn

©WRI2

40

After Pascal Wehrlein delivered four precious points to Sauber in Barcelona, team boss Monisha Kaltenborn reminded pundits that she never doubted the German drivers' commitment.

Sidelined by an injury sustained earlier in the year at the Race of Champions, Wehrlein started his season in Bahrain.

Yesterday, in his third race for the Swiss outfit , the German came home eighth, a performance produced by an impeccable drive coupled with a bold one-stop strategy.

"We knew Pascal is very talented, which is why we signed him," boss Monisha Kaltenborn said.

"I have said already that the criticism of him was completely unfair and unprofessional at times, so I wonder what the critics will have to say today," she added.

Wehrlein and Sauber ecstatic after points-scoring race

The result will obviously add monies to Sauber's Swiss coffers but inflicts collateral damage on McLaren-Honda as it now finds itself dead last in the constructors' standings, adding insult to injury for F1's second most successful team.

"We do not underestimate a strong opponent like McLaren, which is a large and experienced team," said a guarded Kaltenborn.

"They have a lot more resources and people than us, so we take this into account and will continue to work hard all season," she added.

Win the ULTIMATE TRACKDAY with F1i.com!

GALLERY: All the action from Barcelona on Sunday

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.