Heikki Kovalainen harmed his chances of staying in formula one beyond 2012 by demonstrating a lack of "respect" to Caterham. That is the claim of Mike Gascoyne, the team's former technical boss who now oversees the technical operations of the entire Caterham Group.
After three years at the back of the grid with Caterham, Finn Kovalainen - now managed by IMG - attempted to secure a better seat for 2013 but ultimately now faces dropping out of formula one altogether. Gascoyne confirmed speculation Caterham is considering replacing the 31-year-old with a so-called 'pay driver'.
"We realise what the game is," he told the motor sport news website crash.net. "People (teams) boom and bust easily. We have come in and done a very steady job compared to other new teams and have been professional, but we've taken a step back and said 'Ok, we are not going to get there straight away, we need to manage our budgets, manage investment and build up our resources so we are here for the long term'," Gascoyne said.
It is believed the favourites to become Frenchman Charles Pic's teammate this year are Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna. "It is actually a great shame," Gascoyne said. "Heikki is a very talented driver but, last year, his management did not handle him very well and he has not done himself any favours. He has had three years with Caterham, was paid well, and he should have shown more respect about that." (GMM)
Lack of 'respect' harmed Heikki Kovalainen - Gascoyne
- Published on 14 Jan 2013 16:54
-
0
- By: Rob Veenstra
.
Trending news
-
Waché admits Red Bull still not at desired level despite recoveryRed Bull technical director Pierre Waché has acknowledged clear progress with the RB22, but insists the team i...
14 Aug 2026 16:04 -
Cadillac appoints Marcin Budkowski as new team boss with Ferrari pedigreeCadillac has appointed Marcin Budkowski as its new team principal, bringing in a senior figure who witnessed Ferrari&...
14 Aug 2026 15:06 -
Montoya sees Newey's influence taking shape at Aston MartinJuan Pablo Montoya expects Aston Martin to take a significant step forward after the summer break, crediting Adrian N...
14 Aug 2026 14:09 -
Hamilton Echoes Verstappen Criticism of F1 OvertakingLewis Hamilton has become the latest high-profile voice to question the quality of overtaking in the current Formula ...
14 Aug 2026 13:08 -
George Russell reveals sports psychologist has been key to Mercedes performance since 2020George Russell has confirmed he has worked with the same sports psychologist since 2020, using mental coaching not as...
14 Aug 2026 12:14
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
-
Jan 26
I. Hadjar
- 1:18.159
-
-
-
Jan 27
M. Verstappen
- 1:19.578
-
-
-
Jan 28
A. Antonelli
- 1:17.362
-
-
-
Jan 29
G. Russell
- 1:16.445
-
-
-
Jan 30
L. Hamilton
- 1:16.348
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 11
L. Norris
- 1:34.669
-
-
-
Feb 12
C. Leclerc
- 1:34.273
-
-
-
Feb 13
A. Antonelli
- 1:33.669
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 18
G. Russell
- 1:33.459
-
-
Feb 19
A. Antonelli
- 1:32.803
-
-
Feb 20
C. Leclerc
- 1:31.992
-
-
World Championship standings 2026
Pos
Driver
Team
Points
Pos
Team
Points
Related news
Give your opinion!
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
-
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
26 - Jun 28
Austria
Red Bull Ring
3 - Jul 5
United Kingdom
Silverstone
17 - Jul 19
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
24 - Jul 26
Hungary
Hungaroring
Replies (0)
Login to reply