The first lap clash last weekend in Austin between Sauber drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson  left team principal Monisha Kaltenbron thoroughly unimpressed.

Even though Nasr brought back some valuable points back for the Swiss outfit which is competing for eighth in the Constructor's Championship, Kaltenborn believes there are no excuses for Sauber's underperformance in a race where much more was expected.

"We can absolutely not be satisfied with this weekend. It is not an excuse that one driver did not know the track before and we were not able to run many laps here in the dry."

The Sauber boss was not only infuriated by her drivers coming together at Turn 1, she also lamented the team's strategic gamble to send Nasr back out on slicks after his first stop, a decision which proved premature in spite of the Brazilian racking in a few points, primarily owed to circumstances involving the Safety Car and VSC.

"Almost everything that should not happen during a race happened," said a frustrated Kaltenborn. "The result is fortunate, but we cannot count just on luck in the future.”

FIA set to allow new engine in 2017 after Ferrari blocks cost capping measures

Lewis Hamilton: Three-time F1 world champion

United States Grand Prix - Driver ratings

Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery

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.

Recent Posts

Russell resets F1 title ambitions with ‘nothing to lose’ outlook

After the rollercoaster and heartbreak that was Montreal last time out, George Russell has chosen…

52 minutes ago

Formula 1 extends Las Vegas Grand Prix deal through 2037

Just three years after its return to the championship calendar, Formula 1 has confirmed that…

2 hours ago

Monaco active aero ban sparks fresh wave of F1 innovation

Formula 1's engineers are rarely known for leaving performance opportunities untouched, and Monaco's unique regulatory…

3 hours ago

Antonelli reminds Mercedes: ‘You can’t put a leash on a driver’

Kimi Antonelli is learning quickly that leading a Formula 1 championship at Mercedes comes with…

17 hours ago

Monaco GP: Thursday's media day in pictures

Formula 1 moves on to its Crown Jewel this weekend, slightly later in the season…

18 hours ago

Leclerc plays down Ferrari hype ahead of home race

Charles Leclerc may call Monaco home, but when it comes to handing out favourites’ tags…

18 hours ago