Monisha Kaltenborn appointed as team principal of Sauber F1 team – Formula 1 news
Team Sauber has appointed Monisha Kaltenborn as the team principal after Peter Sauber stepped down from his post.
Kaltenborn, who is 41 of Indian origin and holding Austrian nationality, initially joined the Sauber team in 2000. At that time, she was hired to handle the legal department but in 2010, she became the chief executive officer (CEO) for the team.
The appointment was largely discussed in Formula 1 circles ever since Peter Sauber transferred a third of his shares in her name in late 2011.
Sauber, who is just two days shy of 69, joined Formula 1 back in early 1970s and has so far brought the team a long way. Of late, Peter Sauber, due to his age factor, has been unable to attend many races which he referred to as one of the main reasons why
Monisha has been appointed in his place.
Sauber stated that it had been already decided that Monisha will be carrying on in his position but the timing of the transfer had been left open to options. He said that this had been the right time for both of them. He had recently said that he did not
want to stand besides the pit wall once he turned 70. He is very hopeful of Monisha’s success and admits that she will carry on the values which have defined the Sauber team.
Monisha Kaltenborn accepts her new job as a huge responsibility. “Naturally I'm very aware of the major responsibility I have for Peter Sauber's racing team,” Kaltenborn said. “He founded the team over 40 years ago, and in the spring it will be 20 years
since Sauber lined up for its debut Formula One grand prix. We are the fourth-oldest team in Formula One. To build up a project like this and keep it alive in a difficult environment is a tremendous achievement. I have set my sights high and am committed to
taking the team forward as Peter Sauber would want and leading it on to success.”
Sauber have done pretty well in the ongoing 2012 Formula 1 season and they stand sixth in the constructors’ championship. They have managed four podium finishes, the latest of which came at the Japanese Grand Prix through Kamui Kobayashi last week.
Although Peter Sauber has forwarded the flame, he will keep his job as the president of the board of directors of all companies under Sauber.
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