Monisha Kaltenborn has been named as the new team principal of Sauber, replacing outgoing boss Peter Sauber who has announced he is to reduce his responsibilities within the team
Sauber, who founded the team, has previously signalled that he wished to no longer be running the team when he hit 70 years of age – a milestone he reaches next year.
Kaltenborn, who currently owns a third of the team, will take over his role with immediate effect whilst continuing in her role as president of the board of directors.
“We decided a long time ago that Monisha would take over from me, but we left the timing open,” said Peter Sauber in a statement.
“Now is a good time for both of us, so this is the right moment to pass on the baton. After all, there have been a number of races I’ve been unable to attend – most recently the Japanese Grand Prix, where the team put in an excellent performance.
“I’m in no doubt that Monisha has all the necessary skills to be an outstanding team principal, and I’m equally certain she will ensure that the values underpinning the company live on. That is very important to me.”
The Indian becomes the first female team principal in the sport.
“Naturally I’m very aware of the major responsibility I have for Peter Sauber’s racing team,” she added. “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 1 grand prix.
“We are the fourth-oldest team in F1. 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.”
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