Negativity in F1 hurting Sauber's investor search

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Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn says it is increasingly difficult to attract new investors while there is so much negativity surrounding F1.

Kaltenborn has been working to secure fresh investment with Sauber having been struggling financially for the past few years, culminating in wages being paid late on more than one occasion this season.

Speaking exclusively to F1i, Kaltenborn says there has been too much instability in the sport which makes it tough to convince new investors to commit.

"It’s very difficult, you know, because first of all things take their time and you can’t push more than you are," Kaltenborn said.

"And the environment in which people have to invest in here is not an ideal environment.

"With all the negativities which go around this sport - which are so unnecessary in a way - with a certain lack of stability, how even rules are done at the last minute and again they are being criticised before they are even in place, this all doesn’t help."

Despite the difficulty, Kaltenborn says the team has found a way of working efficiently while it has such financial limitations.

"I don’t know if it’s easier or not, you just unfortunately get used to some things and people focus then on the right things I guess and not being frustrated about it, because you know what the situation is.

"That I think is a very important step that when you are working your way up again you have a different mindset."

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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.