Vasseur open to giving a Sauber seat to Raikkonen

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Sauber boss Fred Vasseur believes having a world champion such as Kimi Raikkonen at the Swiss outfit next season could prove an asset for the Ferrari-powered team.

Charles Leclerc is seen as likely heading to the House of Maranello next season following his impressive rookie F1 year with Sauber, a move that would necessarily entail Raikkonen's departure.

However, should the Finn wish to pursue his career in F1, he could swap seats with Leclerc at Sauber, the team where it all started for the 38-year-old back in 2001.

A man typically devoted to the grooming and nurturing of young talent, Vasseur would however consider the F1 veteran's return to Hinwil, the Frenchman insisting his focus is on ability rather than age when it comes to forming Sauber's 2019 driver line-up.

Vettel not pushing for Leclerc as 2019 team mate

"I don't care, I want to have the best guys into the car, this is the most important for the team, and no sacrifice with performance," said Vasseur, commenting on the potential return of Raikkonen.

"It is much better to have a world champion than someone who won nothing.

"I am just focused on performance. The most important for me is to have the best line-up for next year and the future. That is my only concern."

While a case could be made for Raikkonen's recruitment, many believe Scuderia junior Antonio Giovinazzi is still the man most likely to fill Leclerc's seat.

The young Italian ran with Sauber in FP1 on Friday and will enjoy further free practice outings later this year, giving Vasseur a chance to get acquainted with the 24-year-old charger.

"It is a good feeling that Antonio wants to be involved and we can be proud, and he will be on the list for sure," said Vasseur.

"We will do some FP1s together and it is probably the best way for me to know the guy, and to understand each other.

"We did the same last year with Charles and it was a good first step in the collaboration."

The Sauber boss will have the final word on his 2019 line-up, but will consult with Ferrari given the strong ties that exist between the two teams.

"We will discuss with Ferrari. It is not a matter of rights, but we will discuss together," he added.

"But I think at the end of the day for Alfa Romeo the most important is that the team is performing and we have to find the best line-up and the two best guys for the future of the team."

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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.