Pascal Wehrlein will miss the second race of the season in China, and could miss the third race in Bahrain as well because he hasn’t fully recovered from the injuries sustained in the Race of Champions in Miami.
New Sauber driver missed the first race of the season in Australia after driving in first free practice session, but felt back pain and decided to withdraw and allowed Ferrari’s reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi to taste the new 2017 car in full GP weekend.
Giovinazzi will replace Wehrlein in China and perhaps even in Bahrain that will take place the week after China, depending on how quickly Wehrlein achieve satisfactory physical condition.
“For me the most important thing is that I can intensively train to be sure that I can give 100% of my performance as soon as possible,” said Wehrlein.
“Then I will be well prepared for my first full GP weekend for the Sauber F1 Team.”
“I hope this can be in Bahrain, but if not, we will use take the time it needs until Russia to make sure that I am fully prepared.”
