Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsSauber

Sauber presence in Melbourne not in doubt despite late staff payments

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Sauber has paid the remainder of its staff wages for February after CEO Monisha Kaltenborn acknowledged that the Swiss team had experienced delays last month.

Cash-flow difficulties which emerged for the Hinwill-based outfit last year had led it to ask F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone for an advance on championship payments in November.

Still, the team's financial woes lingered forcing a slight manufacturing delay of its 2016 challenger, Sauber introducing its C35 during the second week of pre-season testing in Barcelona.

"Some of the February salaries are still outstanding," CEO Kaltenborn told Blick media. "I deeply regret that.

“It’s tense. Right now, it’s the most cost-intensive time of the year. Concerning the transfer of a big amount of money from a sponsor from abroad, some problems occurred.

“We will solve this within a short time. We will get on top of the current issues and we will get out of this awkward situation. We will fight and we will get out of it, just like we did in the years past."

A Sauber spokesperson confirmed to F1i that the remained of February's salaries had been paid on Wednesday.

While attempts are made to dissipate the clouds hanging over Sauber, its participation in next week's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne does not appear to be in doubt.

But its current state of affairs will obviously have to improve if the Swiss team, which is entering its 24th Formula 1 season, is to secure its future in the sport.

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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.