Kobayashi Confirms F1 Exit

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 23: Kamui Kobayashi of Japan and Sauber F1 drives during practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 23, 2012 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Japanese ace Kamui Kobayshi has confirmed that he will not be part of 2013 F1 Season after failing to secure drive with a competitive team.

The Japanese driver raced for Sauber since 2010 but as he didn’t bring any funds to the team, he was replaced with Nico Hulkenberg for the upcoming 2013 season.

Earlier in the year Kobayashi had set up a donation fund on his website but he conceded that though the amount of money donated was enormous his efforts proved to be futile .

“Because of your big support, it gave huge influences to some Japanese companies and I started receiving good support from them. I was in the position to bring a budget of 8 million Euros at least. If you could imagine the time I had, it was [an] overwhelming reaction and it shows there still is a great potential from Japanese companies,” he posted on his official website.

Unfortunately, the time was still short and I am not able to secure the seat with a competitive F1 team for 2013. I have to admit that it is very sad and I feel sorry for fans and Japanese companies who supported me. But I am still confident to make it happen in 2014.”

“I would like to stop the donation for now and while I will save all the money for 2014, I start to look what is the best option for 2013 and also 2014. My main priority is to secure the competitive F1 seat in 2014.”

Kobayashi has started 60 races and has a best finish of third which he secured in this year’s Japanese Grand Prix. Often known for his daring overtaking moves Kobayashi has been hailed by some as the greatest Japanese F1 Driver.