Pascal Wehrlein will be sitting out for at least one more race this season, as Antonio Giovinazzi takes his place for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. The German still insists that sitting out is not as a result of his injury, but rather a lack of physical fitness.
Wehrlein has yet to make his debut with the Sauber F1 Team, as a result of a back injury sustained from the Race of Champions event in Miami over the winter break. Wehrlein skipped the first pre-season test for the team in Barcelona and was in the car for the second test, but only completed short stints. He participated in Friday’s sessions for the Australian Grand Prix, but decided that it would be best to sit out, citing the lack of physical training that he has been able to perform over the break as a result of his injury.
“For me the most important is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100% performance from my side as soon as possible,” explained Pascal Wehrlein. “I will then be well-prepared for my first complete Grand Prix weekend for the Sauber F1 Team. Hopefully this can be in Bahrain but, if not, then we will take the time it needs until Russia to make sure I am completely ready.”
The team has once again called upon the driving talent of Ferrari’s reserve drive, Antonio Giovinazzi. The Italian made his Formula One debut filling in for Wehrlein at the Australian Grand Prix. He brought the car across the line in P12, completing what Monisha Kaltenborn called a very impressive debut: “He showed his potential as well as what the car is capable of. The lap times were quite satisfying.”
Wehrlein could make his Sauber debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, although it is possible that he could delay his debut until the Russian Grand Prix at the end of April. It’s understood that Giovinazzi will be on standby for both of those race weekends and prepared to driver, if the opportunity arises.
Wehrlein Withdraws From The Australian Grand Prix
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Sauber Confirms Giovinazzi Will Replace Wehrlein
Wehrlein Could Miss First Pre-Season Test
