It appears Giedo van der Garde may recieve a hefty compensation - to say the least - for relinquishing any claims over his intended Sauber race seat.

While Sauber was relieved last weekend to have Giedo van der Garde drop its case against the Swiss team and permit its regularly nominated drivers to race in Melbourne, it's emerging just how high of a price Sauber may have to pay to settle the matter permanently.

It's rumored that van der Garde may be on the verge of receiving a huge €15m payout to drop all claims the Dutch driver brought forward against the team. Needless to say, it would be a huge bonus for van de Garde but one wonders if it would not also seriously deplete Sauber's coffers at a time when the team is in dire need of resources to sustain its presence in F1.

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

Gasly fumes at Racing Bulls drivers: 'I have a good memory'

Pierre Gasly left Zandvoort with more than just frustration over Alpine’s missed opportunity, taking aim…

40 minutes ago

Netflix extends F1 journey with Drive to Survive season 9

Netflix is keeping the Formula 1 cameras rolling, with the streaming giant confirming that Drive…

2 hours ago

Lawson earns Mekies praise after strong Red Bull return

Laurent Mekies has given Liam Lawson a ringing endorsement after the Kiwi made the most…

3 hours ago

Vasseur responds to Ferrari drivers’ Dutch GP strategy fury

Fred Vasseur has heard the criticism. He has heard Lewis Hamilton’s frustration, Charles Leclerc’s confusion…

5 hours ago

Wolff’s shock Mercedes admission: ‘We haven’t got the money’

Toto Wolff has delivered a remarkably blunt explanation for Mercedes’ recent slide, admitting that the…

19 hours ago

Alonso says ‘more to come’ after Aston’s Dutch GP points

Fernando Alonso left Zandvoort with something Aston Martin has been desperately short of in 2026:…

21 hours ago