What is happening between Cem Bölükbasi and Charouz?

What was a dream for him is becoming a nightmare. It's all gone with a simple announcement of replacement. During the day on Wednesday, Charouz announced that Tatiana Calderón would replace Cem Bölükbasi at Spa-Francorchamps for the resumption of the racing season. F2. A few moments later, we learned that the Colombian was finally going to play the last 4 rounds of the 2022 campaign in place of the Turk.

Initially, rumors in the corridors reported a personal decision by the Turk to end his season to concentrate on 2023, thus preserving part of his budget. It was then that Charouz intervened to provide the first clarification in the matter after remaining silent. In a short press release, the Czech structure mentioned “ a major violation of the agreement » coming from Cem Bölükbasi and that it was she herself who decided to put an end to the association.

« Charouz Racing System would like to clarify that it is the team that has decided to terminate the contract with Turkish driver Cem Bölükbasi, due to a major violation of the agreement between the parties on the driver's side »

 

 

 

 

 

See this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Charouz Racing System (@charouzracing)

Bölükbasi counterattacks

Remaining discreet after the announcement of the tenure of Tatiana Calderón in his place and the press release from Charouz, Cem Bölükbasi broke the silence a few hours before the start of the Belgian meeting. Like the team founded by Antonin Charouz in the 1980s, the Istanbulite also wanted to provide some clarifications in this affair which seems set to last. While the team announced a non-compliance with the contract, the main interested party indicated that the two parties had not managed to find common ground for the last part of the season.

« Despite all our good intentions and constructive attitude, we have unfortunately been unable to reach a mutual consensus on the new terms of the financial contract requested by the Charouz management team for the last 4 races, he points out while evoking the possibility of the legal trail.

Therefore, I will not participate in the race in Belgium this weekend. We are exploring our legal options regarding this alleged termination and other contract violations that we consider unfair. For me, Formula 2 is of course not over and we are in discussions with teams for the future. I hope we will be able to share some good news soon.

I would like to point out that the sporting aspect of the team was excellent and that the supposed stopping of the team is not due to a sporting issue. We worked very well as a team and made great progress. So I would like to thank the mechanics, engineers and all the sporting staff for their support so far and wish them all the best for the future. I am aware of my responsibility towards my sponsors and the young motorsport volunteers who support us in all circumstances. That's why I will always continue to do my best."

 

 

 

 

 

See this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Cem Bölükbaşı (@cembolukbasi)

For the moment, the situation is unlikely to change. As confirmed by himself, Cem Bölükbasi will not be there in Belgium where Tatiana Calderón will replace him. What about the following rounds (Netherlands, Italy and Abu Dhabi), the last 3 of the year? Charouz and the Colombian pilot agreed on a partnership taking them to Yas Marina, the scene of the final meeting next November. Can the situation change in the meantime?

At first glance no. Charouz indeed announced a “ major breach of agreement » from his now former pilot immediately terminating their contract. Cem Bölükbasi, for his part, spoke of possible legal proceedings. But with only four rounds remaining could the situation see a turnaround? Not sure. The tight timing of the last line of the campaign with three consecutive rounds starting this weekend risks making the task complicated, especially if legal proceedings are launched.

ALSO READ > Behind the scenes of Tatiana Calderón's surprise return