Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsSauber

Sauber's Kaltenborn 'annoyed' by Maldonado

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn has criticized Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado for the Venezuelan's intrepid maneuver on Marcus Ericsson which cost the former a five-second stop-go penalty and the latter an unscheduled pit stop.

The pair collided early on when Maldonado hit the back of Ericsson's Sauber into Turn 1, and while the Lotus driver felt it was all just a 'racing incident', Kaltenborn begged to differ.

"It's very, very annoying that it is once again him," lamented Sauber's team chief.

"Marcus' car was clearly in front of him and he literally just drives into him," she told Autosport.

"What should one say? It's not the first time he has been involved in such an incident.

"Marcus was driving well, having recovered from a mistake at the start when he ran wide, and then Maldonado just dived down the inside and clipped him. It's very frustrating."

In addition to his stop-go sanction, Pastor Maldonado was also earmarked for a penalty point to be added to his superlicence which now totals six penalty points.

Ericsson's race, which he concluded in 16th position, was obviously jeopardised by the Lotus driver's blunder.

" I lost around 30 to 40 seconds and, obviously, the race was then compromised," said the Swede.

" Despite this I had a good pace, but we just lost too much time with what happened."

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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.