The Caterham F1 Team will be looking for a new driver should they make it to Abu Dhabi after Marcus Ericsson confirmed that he has left the team with immediate effect.
With the administrators having launched a crowdfunding project to enable the team to return to the grid after missing the last two grand prix in the United States and Brazil, Ericsson has turned his back on the team who gave him his F1 debut this season, although he thanked the team for giving him the opportunity to race for them.
“Following recent events re Caterham Sports Limited and 1 MRT Sdn Bhd, my adviser Eje Elgh and I have decided to terminate, with immediate effect, all agreements connecting me to the Caterham F1 team,” said Ericsson.
“This is a sad day as we have greatly enjoyed working with the team through a difficult and tough season.
“I wish to thank Colin Kolles, Manfredi Ravetto, Cyril Abiteboul and every other member of the Caterham F1 team for your trust and confidence in me, and for making my first Formula 1 season an educational and unforgettable experience.
“In addition, I thank my good friend and team-mate Kamui Kobayashi for being an inspiring benchmark throughout the year, and hope to see him back on the track soon.”
Ericsson has already been confirmed to be joining the Sauber F1 Team in 2015 in an all-new line-up alongside Felipe Nasr.
Caterham are trying to find £2.35 million via their crowdfunding project, and had received well over 50% of their target with just a couple of days remaining before the deadline to race in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
More details about the crowd funding scheme can be found at www.crowdcube.com/caterham.
