Van der Garde says he turned down Caterham
Giedo van der Garde claims he turned down the chance to stay at Caterham this year in order to "move sideways" to Sauber.
Jan.22 (GMM) Giedo van der Garde claims he turned down the chance to stay at Caterham this year in order to "move sideways" to Sauber.
Just a year into his Grand Prix career, the Dutchman will not even be on the 2014 grid, but serving only as Sauber's reserve and occasional Friday driver.
Well backed by his father in law Marcel Boekhoorn's McGregor brand, he told De Telegraaf newspaper that he turned Caterham down.
"I liken it to Jasper Cillissen," van der Garde said, referring to a Dutch goalkeeper who gambled on a transfer between football teams, sat on the bench for a year but ultimately went on to great success.
"I didn't do it," the 28-year-old confirmed, "because this is a better option.
"My goal this year is to show what I can do and race for Sauber in 2015. I'm a driver who wants the maximum possible, not to race around at the back."
Van der Garde said he is happy with his 2014 programme.
"It looks good," he said. "There are more test days this year and I can do some of the Friday free practices.
"And if it is necessary, I am ready to race."
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
"This is the American dream": Inside Haas’ shock F1 debut 10 years on
Gutierrez joins Glickenhaus for Le Mans as full entry list revealed
Ex-F1 driver Gutierrez joins Inter Europol for 2022 WEC campaign
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Lewis Hamilton 'almost signed for Sauber' before F1 debut, says Peter Sauber
F1 2025 season highlights: Fans crown Nico Hulkenberg's podium and Lando Norris's title as top moments
Frankie Muniz earns another GT4 America win with co-driver Tyler Stone at Barber
Isack Hadjar earns "team-mate points" after "exceptional comeback" in Baku, says Alex Brundle
Cleetus McFarland buys Greg Biffle's 2004 NASCAR Cup race car for $47,000
NASCAR Chase has been best blend of entertainment and integrity
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
What we learned from Thursday practice at the 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments