The Sauber F1 team has confirmed that their driver Pascal Wehrlein will not be taking part in this weekend’s second round of the 2017 Formula One Championship season, the Chinese Grand Prix, as he continues to work on ensuring his physical condition is at its best for the remainder of the year.
After taking part in Friday’s practice sessions in Australia ten days ago, the German driver announced on Saturday morning that he didn’t feel fit enough to continue with the weekend, so Ferrari third driver Antonio Giovinazzi took over the driving the duties instead.
The young Italian rookie will also be called upon this weekend to take over from Pascal yet again.
Pascal insists that the issue is not around the injury that he sustained in his accident at the Race of Champions earlier this year, rather the training time he missed as a result of the injury.
He has also hinted that he may not be in the car for the third round in Bahrain, which takes place just one week after China.
“For me the most important is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100% performance from my side as soon as possible,” Pascal said. “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.”
