Sauber confirm Vasseur is new team boss as reports emerge Honda deal is off
The former Renault chief replaces Monisha Kaltenborn as team principal of the Swiss team
Sauber has confirmed that former Renault F1 chief Frederic Vasseur is the new team boss of the Swiss outfit - and he may already have his first crisis on his hands.
Vasseur, who left Renault in the winter after just one season with the French factory team, replaces Monisha Kaltenborn as head of the Sauber operation.
Kaltenborn left the team last month after a disagreement with the owners about the direction of the team.
Vasseur said: “I’m very proud to be joining Sauber Motorsport AG, and wish to thank the company’s shareholders for their trust in me.
"I’ve been impressed by the facilities in Hinwil and by the talent and ambition of the workforce, and I very much look forward to complementing the team with my experience and determination and drive all people in the right direction in everything they do: I am convinced that all together we will achieve ambitious targets.
"I cannot wait to start working with our drivers, engineers and all the staff. I look forward to contributing to the next important phase in the development of the team.”
Sauber chairman Pascal Picci added: “Frederic Vasseur’s long and successful career in top level international motorsport speaks for itself, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Sauber.”
The news comes as multiple reports have emerged that suggest the deal agreed for Sauber to run Honda engines next season may be off.
Reports in Germany suggested the Japanese manufacturer was not happy with the departure of Kaltenborn and so decided to terminate the deal when she left.
Monisha Kaltenborn left the team last month
It has also been suggested that the deal was never officially completed and that now Kaltenborn has left, Saubers owners have decided to look to other manufacturers for an engine.
A Honda spokesman told Motorsport.com: "This is purely media speculation, and we do not comment on speculation. Honda's relationship with Sauber has not changed."
Sauber's Honda deal off?
Either way it looks like Vasseur will not have an easy start when he gets behind his desk at Hinwill.
Sauber are currently ninth in the championship, ahead of McLaren, with five points.
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Comments (1)
Maybe a Renault engine