Sauber Team Principal Frederic Vasseur says the squad’s Formula 1 results were not the motivating factor for Jorg Zander’s departure from his role as Technical Director.
Zander returned to Sauber early in 2017, under then-team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, and was a key figure in the design and development of this year’s C37.
Sauber, though, confirmed last week that Zander had parted company from the team with immediate effect, and offered no explanation for his departure.
When asked about Zander’s departure, Vasseur commented: “The relationship was difficult and it’s a long-term project, it’s nothing to do with the result of Baku or Shanghai.
“It’s a mid-term project and we had to take a decision. I took the decision and I think the right one for the future of the company.”
Pushed further on Zander’s exit, and whether there was a split of opinions, Vasseur said: “Yeah for sure. If everybody was aligned I’m very happy that we stay together.
“For sure if we have to stop the collaboration it’s because we are not on the same line.”
Vasseur added that Sauber is striving to replace Zander “as soon as possible” but has “different options” regarding the potential structure of its technical team moving forwards.
Sauber currently holds ninth position in this year’s Constructors’ Championship, having amassed 10 points – already more than its combined total from the last two seasons.
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