Van der Garde and Sauber reach agreement, action for contempt of court withdrawn

The prospect of action against Sauber for contempt of court was ended today when Giedo van der Garde and the Swiss team came to an agreement after intensive negotiations overnight.

With respect to the interest of motorsport, and F1 in particular, I have decided to give up my legal rights to race this weekend at the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Giedo van der Garde

The immediate result was that Van der Garde withdrew his action for contempt of court, which means that the cars will not be seized and Monisha Kaltenborn is free to leave the country.

Finding a solution

No details of the agreement were given, and it is still fluid. One of van der Garde's legal team told Motorsport.com:  "it can go in a number of different ways, that's what makes it interesting."

Van der Garde himself confirmed that talks will continue next week to find a solution.

It is understood that a financial settlement was one of the key areas of discussion, but as noted earlier, that would have to involve a substantial guarantee from the team that the money is available.

However, it seems that the possibility of the Dutchman racing for the team at some stage is still very much on the table.

Sauber statement

"The Sauber F1 Team can confirm it has been able to agree with Mr. Giedo Van der Garde that he refrains from driving in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix so it can keep its original planning.

"The Sauber F1 Team, Mr. Van der Garde and his management will continue to have constructive talks in order to find a mutually acceptable solution.

"The Sauber F1 Team is here to race in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and that is what the team is now focusing on. In the course of next week we will be able to give more information.” 

Van der Garde comments

Van der Garde noted: "With respect to the interest of motorsport, and F1 in particular, I have decided to give up my legal rights to race this weekend at the Melbourne Grand Prix."

“As I am a passionate race driver this decision has been very difficult for me. However I also wish to respect the interest of the FIA, Sauber Motorsport, as well as Nasr and Ericsson.

“My management will continue talks with Sauber early next week to find a mutually acceptable solution for the current situation that has now arisen.

“I am confident such solution will be found and I will inform the media once done.”