Sauber never considered Rubens Barrichello: Monisha Kaltenborn

Rubens Barrichello

Sauber team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn has said that the team never considered Rubens Barrichello to take up a race seat next season.

“I respect Rubens so much for the great career he’s had, for the great driver he is and person he is. I’ve had such nice talks with him, where we talk about young drivers, how they develop and what the challenges are,” she said.

“We never, ever discussed a race seat. Obviously I know he’s looking for a seat and I’ve never encouraged that in any way. If someone tells me, I take note of it and say, ‘Fine’. If there’s anything, then I’ll get back to them and that’s it,” she added.

Barrichello, 41, hold the record for the most Grand Prix starts and is looking to get back into the sport. The Brazillian was widely linked with Sauber in the run up to the Korean Grand Prix. Kaltenborn added that she feels bad for him after his career has been brought to a standstill.

“I feel a bit bad for him now because the story has got its own development and taken off on a tangent,” she said.