Sauber 'takes strong exception' to driver favouritism claims

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Sauber confirmed last night the departure of team principal Monisha Kaltenborn but rejected claims that the reasons were linked to differences over the treatment of its drivers.

In an initial press release which addressed the rumors, and which oddly made no mention of Kaltenborn's departure, Sauber's Chairman of the Board Pascal Picci set the record straight.

"The owners and board of Sauber Motorsport AG take strong exception to speculative and widespread media reports today that our race drivers have not been, and are not being, treated equally.

"This is not only patently untrue, it would be contrary to the team’s absolute and longstanding commitment to fair competition.

"These reports, attributed to anonymous “sources”, are highly detrimental to both Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein as well as to the management and all staff of the Sauber F1 Team".

Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn leaves Sauber!

A second official release then confirmed Kaltenborn's departure from the Swiss outfit, invoking "diverging views".

"Longbow Finance SA regrets to announce that, by mutual consent and due to diverging views of the future of the company, Monisha Kaltenborn will leave her positions with the Sauber Group effective immediately.

"We thank her for many years of strong leadership, great passion for the Sauber F1 Team and wish her the very best for the future.

"Her successor will be announced shortly; in the meantime we wish the team the best of luck in Azerbaijan."

Team manager Beat Zander and technical director Jorg Zander will oversee operations in Baku this weekend while the Hinwill-based outfit searches for Kaltenborn's successor.

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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.