Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn has ruled out the prospect of signing Rubens Barrichello for the 2014 Formula 1 season.
The Brazilian has been linked to a seat with the team for next season, and Kaltenborn did not dismiss the idea of a deal with the 41-year-old when asked about it earlier this week.
However, she has now told Sky Sports News: "I am ruling out he will drive for us. Maybe it is better one is that clear about it. I just felt it would be a bit rude to do that. I was trying to be nice on it.
"I have a lot of respect for Rubens, and I don't think it is right I abruptly say 'no, we are not going to talk'. I have to be respectful to such a driver.
"I fully understand he wants to drive and he is trying his best. I talk a lot with him when he is here, we discuss young drivers and so on, but we have never discussed a seat. That's reality."
Barrichello, who has driven for a number of teams including Ferrari and Williams, last raced in F1 in 2011 and has indicated that he would be keen to return to the sport.
Sian Cowper
