Liberty's latest decisions won't turn F1 upside down - Vasseur

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Sauber's Fred Vasseur believes the changes introduced into Formula 1 this year won't change the action fans will see on the race track.

It's been said that the mandatory presence of the Halo is a direct hit to the sport's DNA, while Liberty Media's decision to ban grid girls is another controversial blow to F1's traditions.

Vasseur refutes however claims that the sport is on the verge of an ugly season.

"They are two different things," Vasseur told the Swiss newspaper Blick.

"The grid girls are replaced by grid kids and I like that," the Frenchman said.

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"And Halo is about safety, and in a serious accident we will be very grateful for it."

"Nothing has changed on the track so far. Only in marketing. Even the new start times will not turn F1 upside down."

As for the Swiss team he leads, Vasseur said the Hinwil factory is working overtime to put its 2018 car together ahead of the first test in just under three weeks.

"We will be faster, but in 2017 we were far behind," said the Sauber boss.

"We want to fight in the midfield but we must not forget that this is a long-term project."

Vasseur revealed that 50 new staff are being added to the workforce of 420, amid great optimism about the new title sponsorship by Ferrari-linked Alfa Romeo.

"They identify with us and want to keep Sauber as a brand," he said.

"It is probably the first time since the BMW time that Sauber has such a good opportunity."

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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.