Has Honda just pulled out of its Sauber contract?

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Rumors are swirling that Honda may have pulled out of its 2018 engine contract with Sauber, a partnership signed and sealed back in April.

According to Germany's Auto Bild, Honda is not impressed by the state of flux in which the Swiss outfit currently finds itself following the eviction of team principal Monisha Kaltenborn.

Kaltenborn was suddenly dismissed last month following a "divergence of views" with the team's owners Longbow Finance SA, and has yet to be replaced at Hinwill.

Sauber's new team boss? No clue, say the drivers

Sauber's three-year contract with Honda was negotiated by Kaltenborn, and the manufacturer is said to have been very disappointed by the team principal's departure.

If Honda confirms that it is severing ties with Sauber and backing out of its contract, it could leave the team without an engine supplier for the 2018 season.

It's most viable option would then to remain a Ferrari customer next year.

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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.