Monisha Kaltenborn pleads Pascal Wehrlein's case

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Former Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn believes Pascal Wehrlein's potential remains intact, insisting the German driver deserves to be racing in Formula 1.

After seven years at the helm of the Swiss outfit, Kaltenborn was ousted as team principal earlier this year, as irreconcilable differences set in between herself and the squad's owners.

But the 46-year-old former manager had the opportunity to witness first hand Wehrlein's talent, which Sauber has now discarded in favour of Ferrari junior Charles Leclerc who will race alongside Marcus Ericsson in 2018.

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"I think his performance in 2017 is still not properly appreciated," said Kaltenborn of the under-rated Wehrlein.

"Without him, the team would have scored no points at all.

"I just hope that he will continue to get what he deserves in formula one, which above all else is a cockpit.

"Pascal has the potential to become world champion with the right team. Anyone who has worked with him knows that," Kaltenborn added.

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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.