Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein has withdrew from the Australian Grand Prix for fitness concerns related to his crash at the Race of Champions. He will be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi for the opening race of the season.
Wehrlein missed the first pre-season test in Barcelona after a back injury from his massive crash at the Race of Champions event in Miami. He was medically cleared for the second pre-season test and was given the greenlight by the FIA on Thursday to take part in the Australian Grand Prix.
Wehrlein was in the car during both of Friday’s free practice sessions and Wehrlein has said that his withdraw was not due to the injury, but rather over concerns that he would not be able to perform over the race distance.
“My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit,” explained Pascal Wehrlein. “I explained the situation to the team yesterday evening. Therefore, the Sauber F1 Team has decided not to take any risks. It is a pity, but the best decision for the team.”
Drivers go through an extensive pre-season training programme to ensure that they are able to handle the physical strain of driving the Formula One cars having spent the winter relaxing. However, Wehrlein’s injury delayed and limited his fitness training programme, raising concerns that he will not be able to perform for the entire race distance.
Despite the disappointment of Wehrlein sitting out for the first round of the season, Sauber’s Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn praised his decision. “We have great respect of Pascal’s openness and professionalism,” she said. “This decision was definitely not an easy one for him, it underlines his qualities as a team player. The focus is now on his fitness level, and in such a situation we do not take any unnecessary risks.”
Wehrlein will be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi, who filled Wehrlein’s seat during the first pre-season test. Wehrlein should appear back in the car for the Chinese Grand Prix.
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