Caterham's Mike Gascoyne believes Heikki Kovalainen should have shown more respect with regards to his future at the Leafield-based team, arguing that the Finn took his position for granted after three 'well-paid' seasons onboard.
Former Renault and McLaren driver Kovalainen is currently without a seat for the upcoming campaign and Gascoyne, who now acts as the Caterham Group's Chief Technical Officer, reckons the 31-year-old's management team could have handled the situation in a much more dignified manner.
"It is actually a great shame," Gascoyne explained to Crash.net of the situation. "Heikki is a very talented driver but, last year, his management did not handle him very well and he has not done himself any favours. It is a tough environment out there for everyone. He has had three years with Caterham, was paid well, and he should have shown more respect about that."
Gascoyne also admitted that the team will not be impatient in its attempt to move up the highly-competitive grid, instead opting to ensure its long-term future in the sport.
"Maintaining our position as a tenth place team will be the priority, but what is important is the automotive development of the Caterham Group," Gascoyne explained. "If the group is profitable, then the Formula 1 project will have a long-term future.
"That is where my interest and expertise is. Moving to Leafield is great news, great facilities, we will build it up slowly to make sure it is sustainable."
Charles Pic is the only driver to be confirmed at Caterham for the 2013 season to date, with Vitaly Petrov and Giedo van der Garde in the running for the second seat.
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