The Sauber F1 Team will race with Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson in this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix after Giedo van der Garde withdrew his summons that had insisted he would drive after intensive talks through the night with the team.
Van der Garde had initially won legal battles both in Switzerland and Australia that would have seen him race, and had asked the court in Australia to find Sauber Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn be found guilty of contempt of court and have the team’s assets seized.
But now van der Garde has withdrawn the summons after lengthy talks with Sauber, with the hope of being able to clear up the situation before the next Grand Prix in Malaysia in two weeks time.
“With respect to the interest of motorsport, and F1 in particular, I have decided to give up my legal rights to race this weekend at the Melbourne Grand Prix,” revealed van der Garde.
“As I am a passionate race driver this decision has been very difficult for me. However, I also wish to respect the interest of the FIA, Sauber Motorsport, as well as Nasr and Ericsson.
“My management will continue talks with Sauber early next week to find a mutually acceptable solution for the current situation.
“I am confident such solution will be found and I will inform the media once done.”
A brief statement from Sauber confirmed that the team are seeking a solution to the saga with van der Garde, but now they are able to focus on racing this weekend in Australia with Nasr and Ericsson behind the wheel.
“The Sauber F1 Team can confirm it has been able to agree with Mr. Giedo Van der Garde that he refrains from driving in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix so it can keep its original planning,” said the Sauber statement.
“The Sauber F1 Team, Mr. Van der Garde and his management will continue to have constructive talks in order to find a mutually acceptable solution. The Sauber F1 Team is here to race in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and that is what the team is now focusing on. In the course of next week we will be able to give more information.”
