Sauber: Van der Garde’s lawyers request the incarceration of Monisha Kaltenborn

New episode in the legal battle between Giedo van der Garde and Sauber: the lawyers representing the Dutchman have asked the Supreme Court of the State of Victoria to imprison Monisha Kaltenborn, the team’s director.

After a Swiss arbitration court ruled in favor of Van der Garde regarding the validity of the main driver contract linking him to the Hinwill structure, the Australian justice system followed suit by instructing Sauber that they must run the driver.

However, not having a Super License at the time of the start of the tests, the former Caterham driver was unable to line up for Free Practice 1 and is very likely not to take part in the rest of the weekend.

Van der Garde’s lawyers highlight Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn’s responsibility in this situation, accusing them of not indicating to the F1 Contract Recognition Board the validity of the agreement, which prevented the issuance of the essential approval. They consequently believe that Kaltenborn is liable to imprisonment or a fine.

« [We request] that Monisha Kaltenborn be punished for the contempt committed by Sauber, with imprisonment for a period determined by the Court or […] a fine in an amount set by the Court, » as stated in a communiqué. The request also extends to the appointment of Van der Garde’s representatives as « receivers of all Sauber’s real and personal property in the State of Victoria », which would place them in charge of the team’s assets.

Sauber has produced, as requested, a list of all assets currently in the paddock. According to GrandPrixTimes.com, a team of bailiffs has been mobilized in case the Court rules that the Swiss structure is indeed violating its decision. In such a case, it’s hard to imagine the C34s being able to race this weekend.

Since the start of Free Practice 1, the Saubers have not completed a single lap. No team members are on the pit wall.