Vasseur named as new Sauber team principal

Sauber has named former Renault team boss Frederic Vasseur as its new team principal, replacing Monisha Kaltenborn.

Vasseur was appointed team principal of Renault upon its return to F1 in 2016, but left the role by mutual consent at the start of this year. Following Kaltenborn's departure from Sauber in June over a disagreement over the future of the team, Vasseur has now been named team principal, as well as taking on the roles of managing director and CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG.

"I'm very proud to be joining Sauber Motorsport AG, and wish to thank the company's shareholders for their trust in me," Vasseur (pictured) said. "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's chairman, Pascal Picci, pointed to Vasseur's success prior to Renault – including with his own ART Grand Prix outfit in junior categories – as proof the Frenchman is the right man to take the team forward.

"Frederic Vasseur's long and successful career in top level international motorsport speaks for itself, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Sauber," Picci added.

While Sauber has a new boss, it remains unclear whether the team will be seeking a new power unit supplier in 2018 following reports its deal with Honda is off.

When contacted about the reports, a Honda spokesperson said: "This is purely media speculation, and we do not comment on speculation. Honda's relationship with Sauber has not changed."