Sauber still increasing its staff numbers

The team was on the brink of collapse two years ago, before a buyout and new alliances with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo boosted the team giving the more confidence for the future ahead.

Talking to swiss newspaper Blick, Vasseur said: “We did have around 320 people, but today there are 430.”

"We have employed more than 50 new engineers alone. For 2019 we still have 35 vacancies.”

"The Alfa Romeo name makes it easier to fill positions. We have become a very good address."

Returning Sauber driver Kimi Raikkonen, from Ferrari, has helped bring more staff to the team.

"Kimi is a Godsend, We have a good understanding, there is no bulls**t, we clearly agree.”

"Kimi can help us and comes to the factory more and more often. And Antonio (Giovinazzi) has learned a lot at Ferrari and this year is said to have done 75,000 kilometres on the simulator."

Vasseur also confirmed that Sauber will be launching their 2019 car in a similar time to Ferrari and Racing Point.

"It will be mid February, Shortly before the test start in Barcelona. We are all excited and motivated."