Frédéric Vasseur in favor of the changes of 2019

Busy news for Sauber: just a few days after Charles Leclerc’s magnificent sixth place in Azerbaijan, the team announced the immediate departure of Jorg Zander, their technical director.

The two elements are not linked, as Frédéric Vasseur informed us in the Barcelona paddock: « The working relationship was difficult. Ultimately, it’s a medium-term project, and a decision had to be made. So I made the decision, which I believe is the right one for the company. »

If he has thus formalized the departure of his technical director, he is actively working on his replacement. Sauber is traditionally handicapped by its geographical location, but the Frenchman nevertheless believes that a solution should be found quickly, which suggests that a high-profile candidate would be available and willing to move to Switzerland.

To avoid a waiting period, often at least six months, this requires an amicable agreement with the previous employer. Eyes are naturally turning towards Italy and Ferrari, which has significantly increased its involvement with Sauber with the arrival of Alfa Romeo as title sponsor.

The arrival of a new technical director is also part of a context where hiring is going well in Hinwill, as 80 hires have already taken place since the new boss arrived last July. 50 additional people should be joining us soon. It necessarily takes time for everything to settle internally and for all the new recruits to find their footing in a structure that includes nearly 400 employees.

Furthermore, Frédéric Vasseur did not discuss with the Scuderia his choice to be in favor of the change in technical regulations for next year: « It’s a good opportunity for Sauber. It fits well into a positive dynamic to have a change in regulations. We are fighting in the midfield and this could help us. » Especially since, from a general standpoint, having more battles on track is precisely what the fans are looking for.

To conclude, the team director had harsh words for Kevin Magnussen, who made a borderline maneuver at the end of the session on Charles Leclerc, swerving at the end of the straight when there was no sporting stake: « It doesn’t make sense. In a race, I might understand, even if it’s stupid. But in free practice, it’s really unacceptable. » According to him, the Danish driver has reached such a stage that a suspension would be deserved since the intent to harm is clearly visible, whether it’s this weekend in Barcelona or two weeks ago on Pierre Gasly in Baku.

From our special correspondent in Barcelona