Sauber names ex-Renault's Vasseur as team principal

Sauber has hired former Renault Formula 1 chief Frederic Vasseur as team principal, it has been announced.

Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber C36 and Marcus Ericsson, Sauber C36

Frederic Vasseur, Renault Sport F1 Team Racing Director in the FIA Press Conference

Frederic Vasseur, Renault Sport F1 Team Racing Director

The Frenchman steps in for Sauber's former team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, who parted ways with the Hinwil-based outfit shortly prior to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with "diverging views" cited as the reason for her departure.

Vasseur emerged as favourite to take over in the role shortly after Kaltenborn's exit, but Sauber went without a team principal both in the Azerbaijan race and in the subsequent Austrian Grand Prix.

His arrival will be made effective on July 17, the Monday after the British Grand Prix weekend.

In a statement announcing his arrival, Sauber chairman Pascal Picci said: "Frederic Vasseur’s long and successful career in top level international motorsport speaks for itself, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Sauber."

Vasseur had been appointed by Renault as racing director for the manufacturer's return to F1 in 2016 and was moved to a team principal role later that year.

However, he split with the Enstone-based outfit in the off-season by mutual consent due to a difference of "vision" within the management structure of the team.

In addition to having been appointed team principal of Sauber F1, Vasseur has also been named as Managing Director and CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG.

"I’m very proud to be joining Sauber Motorsport AG, and wish to thank the company’s shareholders for their trust in me," Vasseur said.

"I’ve been impressed by the facilities in Hinwil and by the talent and ambition of the workforce, and I very much look forward to complementing the team with my experience and determination and drive all people in the right direction in everything they do: I am convinced that all together we will achieve ambitious targets.

"I cannot wait to start working with our drivers, engineers and all the staff. I look forward to contributing to the next important phase in the development of the team."

The confirmation of Vasseur arrives amid reports that Sauber's deal to use Honda engines in 2018 has fallen through, the agreement having been announced earlier this season.