For a young driver, becoming a development driver for a Formula 1 team can provide access to the team’s infrastructure and a better understanding of its operations, in order to refine their driving skills. For the team, this can be a long-term investment or simply a significant source of revenue since these drivers are often generously supported by sponsors.<\/p>\n
In the case of Tatiana Calderon, it is most certainly the second option. Indeed, the young Colombian had an anonymous first season in GP3, finishing a distant 21st in the overall standings.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, she is indeed part of the Escuderia Telmex, the program established by the Mexican telecommunications group. It is well-known in the F1 paddock as the historic sponsor of Sergio P\u00e9rez and Esteban Guti\u00e9rrez.<\/p>\n
Tatiana Calderon does not fail to thank the various parties that enabled her to get this position: “I would like to thank Monisha Kaltenborn and the whole team for giving me this opportunity as well as Escuderia Telmex for their support. I am grateful to be able to work with such an established Formula 1 team and benefit from their long experience. I look forward to working with the team as much as I can. It’s one step closer to my dream of being in Formula 1 one day!”<\/p>\n
In the meantime, she will live through a second season in GP3, this time with the French team Dams. She will be alongside another development driver from a Formula 1 team, as Santino Ferrucci, a Haas prot\u00e9g\u00e9, has also been confirmed for a second campaign.<\/p>\n
This is not the first time Sauber has taken a young woman under its wing, as it was the case with Simona de Silvestro in 2014. Unfortunately, the story did not have a future due to unpaid financial contributions to the team. After a stint in Formula E and 12 races between July 2015 and July 2016, the 28-year-old Swiss now races in the Australian Supercars Championship.<\/p>\n