MARCH 25, 2017

Giovinazzi taking over Wehrlein seat for Melbourne

The Sauber F1 team has announced that Pascal Wehrlein is feeling that his fitness level is not up to the task of participating in the Australian Grand Prix this weekend and will pull out of the event and be replaced by Sauber's reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

Wehrlein said, "My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit. 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."

Team principal, Monisha Kaltenborn said, "We have great respect of Pascal's openness and professionalism. 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. Pascal will be in China as planned."