Sauber add shame to ridicule
On the verge of bankruptcy, Sauber didn't need a tragic-comic race in Monaco. Unfortunately for the Swiss team, its two drivers, Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson, eliminated each other at the Rascasse. Both drivers apologized.
While they were navigating, as usual, at the back of the pack, the two Saubers were battling for 15th and 16th place and had their sights set on the Haas of Romain Grosjean. Marcus Ericsson received a team order from the pit wall to overtake the Frenchman, something his Brazilian teammate was apparently unable to do. However, Felipe Nasr refused to comply. Unhappy, Marcus Ericsson attempted a forceful pass at the Rascasse when his teammate was not expecting it. The outcome is clear: both yellow and blue cars finished their race on the 47th lap.
Marcus Ericsson was judged guilty of the incident and will receive a three-place grid penalty at the next race in Canada. It’s a very disappointing end to this race, remarked the Swede. I was told that Felipe received a radio message. Then I saw an opening and tried to overtake him, but we all saw what happened. It’s a difficult situation for us, and it’s even more important to stay united as a team during this period. I apologize, and I’m sure it won’t happen again in the future.
Laid low by his own teammate, Felipe Nasr had the expression of a bad day: « It’s the worst scenario that can happen to us as a team. (…) For me, it wasn’t the right time to swap positions. Suddenly, at Rascasse, I felt that my car had been hit. It’s surely disappointing for everyone because the team works very hard. I apologize for what happened. We will make sure this never happens again ».
Monisha Kalternborn, the team principal, severely reprimanded her two – paying – drivers after the race: « It was unacceptable behavior from both our drivers. Today, the work of the entire team ended in a collision. Marcus and Felipe both knew the amount of work the team puts in to race every weekend. They have the responsibility to bring both cars to the end of the race. Our decision [to order Nasr to let Ericsson pass] was based on the data. After that, we clarified the situation internally, and both drivers are aware of their responsibilities. Such an incident will never happen again. »
The Swiss team was not in a position to aim for points in Monaco anyway. The only consolation for Sauber has a bittersweet taste.
