Picci has been a key figure at Sauber over the past few years and played a key role in saving the team in 2016 when it was sold to investors Longbow Finance.
He stayed on board as chairman of Sauber Holdings to work closely with the Islero Investments consortium of entrepreneurs, led by Finn Rausing and nicknamed Alfa Romeo.
But before the Mexican GP, Picci surprised the team when he announced his retirement.
Speaking for the first time about the decision, which isn’t widely shared, Picci says that while he believes in the team’s owners, he doesn’t see Vasseur at eye level.
“I don’t want to be associated with Fred Vasseur’s management in the future,” he told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com.
While Picci declined to dwell on the specific issues that separated them, he stated that the choice of drivers for the future was central to what happened.
Sauber recently signed F2 leader Guanyu Zhou as Valtteri Bottas’ team-mate in 2022. The Chinese driver opens up a lot of commercial opportunities for the team.
While Picci has nothing against Zhou, the team’s election in 2022 marks a departure from the previous close alliance the team had with Ferrari as part of its Alfa Romeo association, which had led to Antonio Giovinazzi’s presence over the past three years .
“The driver selection was one of the things that broke the table between me and the current management,” explained Picci.
He added, “I am sorry Antonio is no longer here, and I am glad that Zhou is arriving. I’ve known the Chinese youngster and his family since we wanted to take him to the Sauber Driver Academy, as well as [evaluate] the commercial opportunities it can open up. “
Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo Racing
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Picci is unhappy with the driver situation, but says he has full confidence in the owners of Sauber, who recently confirmed their commitment to the team after talking to Michael Andretti about a buy-in.
Commenting on the reason the owners were considering selling, Picci said: “What happened at the Belgian GP is still an open wound.
“After three laps without a race behind the safety car, Williams was able to collect points that took away almost any chance of regaining his position in the constructors’ championship. Spa was an important turning point for us: It was one of the main reasons why we decided to give up Formula 1 and sell it. “
Talks with Andretti ultimately failed because the owners of Sauber did not want to give up full control of the team and Picci believes that Rausing is doing the right thing for the future.
“He has free decisions, represents the shareholders and is a reliable person who brings all his passion and energy to the table,” he said.
“I was in the minority and I came to my conclusions. Finn remains just as trustworthy to me as the other people who represent the company. Without hesitation, I sincerely wish the entire team the best.
“I look forward to the future of the team calmly because the owners of the team are enthusiastic and very passionate people, whose top priority is the protection of the employees who make up the team.
“My resignation must therefore in no way give cause for concern for the Sauber employees. I am convinced of that.”
