Did Ericsson crash into Nasr delberately?

Sauber drivers Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr have apologised to their furious team manager for their silly and avoidable collisions as they fought it out for minor placings during the Monaco Grand Prix, but a Brazilian F1 correspondent claims that the Swede might have acted deliberately.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, who is struggling to keep the team alive financially, said both Ericsson and Felipe Nasr had shown "unacceptable behaviour" leading up to the crash.

It was Ericsson who was punished by the stewards, but Globo claims Kaltenborn actually apportions "100 per cent" of the blame to Nasr, after he repeatedly ignored radio instructions to let his teammate past.

In a subsequent report by correspondent Rafael Lopes, the same Brazilian outlet cited a source that is 'very close' to the Swiss team in revealing that Ericsson actually admitted behind closed doors in Monaco that he had punted Nasr off deliberately.

Kaltenborn was furious after the race, "It was unacceptable behaviour by both drivers. Today the work of the whole team ended in a collusion. Marcus and Felipe both know how much work is put into every race weekend. They have the responsibility to make it to the end of the race."

"After evaluating the overall situation, it was important to bring the fastest car as far as possible to the front, so that we were able to used any chances. Our decision was based on the data from both cars. After this, we have clarified the situation internally and both drivers are aware of their responsibilities. Such an incident will not happen again," vowed Kaltenborn.

Ericsson explained, "When the tyres started to work, I caught Felipe, but got stuck behind him. I was told that Felipe received a call (to move aside for Ericsson) via the radio. Then I saw a gap and tried to overtake him, but we all saw what then happened."

"It is a difficult situation for us, and it is even more important to stick together as a team in these times. I apologise, and I am sure that this will not happen again in the future," he added.

Nasr gave his side of the story, "It is a shame that neither of us finished. It is the worst scenario that can happen for us. Marcus and I were on different strategies, so his second pit-stop was earlier. My tyres started to get up to temperature, and I was catching the cars in front. For me, it was not the right timing to swap positions."

"Suddenly, in La Rascasse, I felt my car being hit. It is disappointing as the whole team works very hard. I apologise for what happened; we need to make sure that this will never happen again," concluded the Brazilian.