Adrian Sutil’s shaky grip on a Formula 1 career has tightened overnight with confirmation he’ll be racing for the Sauber F1 Team in 2014.
It will be the 30-year-old German’s seventh year in F1 after making his debut with Spyker in 2007 and two spells in its subsequent guise as Force India, interrupted with a year off after he flirted with a bit of ultra violence.
Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber’s Team Principal, insists they are delighted to secure their man. “We are pleased, that we were able to sign Adrian, particularly as we have been wanting to work together with him for a while.” she said.
“Adrian had already visited the factory at the end of September to have a look at the infrastructure. Adrian is not only very fast, but also brings a lot of experience, which is very important looking at the new regulations for next year. We welcome Adrian to the Sauber F1 Team and look forward to a successful collaboration.”
Obviously, Sutil is relieved to remain in motorsport’s premier category. “I’ve been in contact with Monisha for a while and she always gave me the feeling my qualities are valued,” he said. “After six good years driving for Force India, with a lot of highlights, it’s now time to embark on a new challenge.
“I am determined to do my part in order to have a successful future together with the Sauber F1 Team. The long and successful tradition in motorsport, combined with an impressive factory and one of the best wind tunnels in F1, have been fascinating me for a long time.”
The future of Esteban Gutiérrez remains uncertain as Sauber confirms it is yet to decide on its second driver for 2014.
Sauber F1 Team announces Adrian Sutil as its driver for 2014
13.12.2013 – Hinwil, 13th December 2013 – The Sauber F1 Team is pleased to announce Adrian Sutil as one of its drivers in 2014. The German will embark on his seventh season in Formula One with the Swiss outfit.
Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal:
“We are pleased, that we were able to sign Adrian, particularly as we have been wanting to work together with him for a while. Adrian had already visited the factory at the end of September to have a look at the infrastructure. Adrian is not only very fast, but also brings a lot of experience, which is very important looking at the new regulations for next year. We welcome Adrian to the Sauber F1 Team and look forward to a successful collaboration.â€
Adrian Sutil:
“I am very happy that we found common ground. Although I have known for a while where I wanted to go, in the end the negotiations took a bit longer than planned. However, now I will have all the more reason to celebrate during the Christmas season. I’ve been in contact with Monisha for a while and she always gave me the feeling my qualities are valued. After six good years driving for Force India, with a lot of highlights, it’s now time to embark on a new challenge. I am determined to do my part in order to have a successful future together with the Sauber F1 Team. The long and successful tradition in motorsport, combined with an impressive factory and one of the best wind tunnels in F1, have been fascinating me for a long time. Thank you to Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn for your trust in me.â€
The second driver for the 2014 season will be announced at a later date.