Caterham F1 team to take action against ex-staff members

Representatives of around 40 former Caterham staff members announced on Monday that they were to sue the Leafield-based outfit for compensation related to their dismissal and alleged unpaid wages.

But Caterham hit back on Tuesday by saying that their claims were incorrect and could be hurtful to the image of the team.

A statement issued by the team said: "Caterham F1 Team has read with great concern recent reports about a group of individuals who are claiming unfair dismissal from the Formula 1 team following its takeover by new owners.

"The team is now taking legal action against those parties representing the individuals concerned, and each person involved, seeking compensation for the damages suffered by the team due to the gross misrepresentation of the facts made by all those concerned."

Caterham said that the former staff's claims were wrong because they had not correctly stated who their exact employer was, and that it was incorrect to say they had not been paid.

The team added: "These claims include the statement that they have been released from Caterham F1 Team - this is incorrect.

"Caterham F1 Team's staff are employed by a company that is a supplier to the company that holds its F1 licence, the licence that allows it to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship.

"Additionally, the team has read claims that its staff were not paid in July - again, this is wholly untrue.

"Every individual currently employed by Caterham F1 Team was paid their July salary in full on 25th July, one week before it is formally due on the last day of the month, in this case 31st July.

"A formal request for the withdrawal of the relevant press statement issued on 28th July has been made by Caterham F1 Team and the team will vigorously pursue its action against all those concerned.

"However, it will not allow its core focus to be distracted from achieving tenth place in the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship, and building for the 2015 campaign and beyond."