Marcus Ericsson a potential grand prix winner says Sauber F1 boss

The Swede's best finish in his three F1 seasons so far is only eighth, but he has spent his top-line career to date with Caterham and Sauber.

Kaltenborn is convinced he is a race-winner in the right car.

"You have to have that determination, have that opportunity and be at the right time at the right place and I don't see why he can't do that," Kaltenborn told Autosport.

Ericsson beat his 2016 team-mate Felipe Nasr 12-7 in qualifying and in the races they both finished, the Swede was ahead nine times to four.

But Nasr scored Sauber's crucial sole points finish of the season with ninth in Brazil.

Kaltenborn said she was "very happy" with Ericsson's progress over the last year.

"He has taken a very big step up," she said.

"You see it in his whole appearance as well.

"He gives very valuable input to the team.

"He can definitely improve, there's a lot to do.

"He knows his strengths and he will learn more, and with his own experience he will find his own limits and how he can work on them."

Ericsson has spoken about how improving his mental strength has been key to his growth as a driver and Kaltenborn agreed.

"That's very important because it's not easy for young drivers out there, when people have their prejudices with them, for them to even handle certain situations," she said.

"He's found his way and he's learned how to focus much more on things that are really important to him.

"In the last races he really took a step up.

"There is a lot of potential to come from him."