Ex-Sauber President Takes Veiled Shots at Alfa Romeo F1 Boss Amid Giovinazzi-Bottas Decision

The former President of Sauber Holding, Pascal Picci, recently spoke of the disagreements that led him to resign from the group that owns Alfa Romeo. Picci, who had seen this team go from highs to lows and remained firmly in place, ‘suddenly’ resigned after the Mexican Grand Prix.

Picci revealed he has no intentions to be a part of the organization with Team Principal Fred Vasseur on the wheel.

“I do not want to be associated with the management of Fred Vasseur in the future,” Picci said as reported in Motorsport.

However, his comments about ‘the way the drivers were chosen’ for 2022 clarifies that it was one of the decisive factors in his resignation. Or more precisely, it is the arrival of Valtteri Bottas and the departure of Antonio Giovinazzi that might’ve been the breaking point.

“I’m sorry that Antonio is no longer there. – continues Picci – and I am happy that Zhou arrives.” (Translated via Google Translate)

But Picci reveals that his resignation shouldn’t be a cause of concern for the future of the team. Instead, he is calm about it.

Picci briefly touches on the Andretti takeover of Alfa Romeo

A few weeks ago, there were some very strong reports of Alfa Romeo/Sauber being sold to Andretti Motorsports. But, in the last stages, the deal fell apart due to ‘control reasons’.

Speaking of this, Picci revealed that the race in Spa was a crucial moment in that crisis.

“What happened at the Belgian GP is still an open wound. Having had a three-lap non-race behind the safety car allowed Williams to earn points that took away almost any chance of regaining their position in the Constructors’ World Championship. Spa was an important watershed for us.”

Yet, thinking about how things have turned out in the last month for Alfa Romeo, one can’t help but accept that they may finally be back on track. The signing of Zhou has led to an increase in sponsorships recently. The team will have a perfect mix of drivers – an ‘experienced veteran’ and ‘the new talent on the block.’

So Pascal Picci, as he said, may not have a lot to be concerned about despite his resignation.

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