Sauber chief Monisha Kaltenborn has quit the Formula 1 outfit, her team announced Wednesday, after reports of a major fallout over the treatment of drivers Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein.
India-born Kaltenborn, 46, was the first female team principal in Formula and had been the chief executive of the mid-grid team since 2010.
But the team has struggled this season and are ninth in the constructors standings with just four points from six races. All four points were won by German driver Wehrlein at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The 46-year-old was in disagreement with owners Longbow Finance over the running of Sauber, according to a BBC report.
“Longbow Finance SA regrets to announce that, by mutual consent and due to diverging views of the future of the company, Monisha Kaltenborn will leave her positions with the Sauber Group effective immediately,” said Pascal Picci, the Sauber chairman.
“We thank her for many years of strong leadership, great passion for the Sauber F1 Team and wish her the very best for the future. Her successor will be announced shortly; in the meantime we wish the team the best of luck in Azerbaijan (this weekend).”
Kaltenborn has worked with the team since the late 1990s, and was promoted to team principal and chief executive officer when Peter Sauber retired five years ago, continued the report.
Sauber are currently ninth in the constructors’ championship, ahead only of McLaren, who have had a horrendous time in the seven races so far due to engine troubles.
With inputs from AFP
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!