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Sauber's already-troubled 2016 campaign has taken another hit with the shock departure of its technical boss. Mark Smith only joined the Swiss team mid last year, but he has "decided to go back to the UK for family reasons", Sauber admitted in a media statement mere days before the season opener in Melbourne.
It is just the latest blow for Sauber, after confirming it fell behind in the payment of its February salaries for most of its 300 staff based at Hinwil. "The drivers seem pretty excited about the car," noticed former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, "especially compared to last season. But the team is struggling with financial problems," the Dutchman, also father to Toro Rosso racer Max Verstappen, said in a pre-season feature for De Telegraaf newspaper. "But Sauber also had the 'Sauber-gate' (Van der Garde) story last year and then had their best race of the year in Melbourne. So who knows?" Verstappen snr added.
Elsewhere, Williams confirmed rumours that Adrian Sutil has been replaced as the official reserve driver for 2016 by another former Force India racer, Paul di Resta. The Scot will split his new F1 duties with the DTM touring car calendar, admitting it will be "a busy year". (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (3)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Yeah top talent aren't cheap, you don't pay up on time and they'll look for better options. I'll tell you his family reasons: He has a family to support so he needs to look for a job that pays on time! There is your 'family reason'. Is anyone surprised? Oh wait that crook Monisha might be, she thinks the economy runs on air, air is free right? Monisha logic.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yikes. I really hope Sauber can sort this out. Might be a good idea to replace some of the higher ups though, they need to rebuild their reputation as a sincere company.
khasmir
Posts: 893
Indeed, certainly Monisha her reputation is very questionable...