The Sauber F1 Team have confirmed that Frédéric Vasseur will replace Monisha Kaltenborn as their new Team Principal.
The Frenchman was a key figure in bringing the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team back into the sport as a full-time constructor in 2016, but just like Kaltenborn, who stood down from her role at Sauber last month, differences of opinion with senior management on how the squad should be run, saw him leave the French outfit after just one year at the helm.
The Frenchman was already well-respected in the motorsport world prior to his days at Renault, and was considered one of the best Team Bosses in the former GP2 series where he was co-founder of the successful ART Grand Prix Team, which was a launching pad for the careers of a number of current F1 drivers.
He is therefore a strong addition to the Sauber F1 Team, who need someone who will be able to kick them into gear now that they have the financial backing to move forward, and Vasseur appears to be a man who will do just that.
Sauber Motorsport AG Chairman Pascal Picci, was thrilled to have brought a man of Vasseur’s calibre on board.
“Frédéric Vasseur’s long and successful career in top level international motorsport speaks for itself, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Sauber.”
Vasseur himself, who never ruled out a return to the sport following his departure from Renault at the end of last season, is pleased to be back doing what he loves.
“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.”
