Giovinazzi to make F1 debut in place of Wehrlein at Sauber

2017 Australian Grand Prix

Posted on

| Written by

Antonio Giovinazzi has been handed a surprise F1 debut for Sauberin this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari test driver will take the place of Pascal Wehrlein, who has decided he is not fit enough to complete the race.

Wehrlein was injured in a crash at the Race of Champions in January and missed the first pre-season test as a result. He returned to action in the second test and drove in practice yesterday but says he is not yet race-fit.

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

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn defended Wehrlein’s 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. Pascal will be in China as planned.”

2017 F1 season

Browse all 2017 F1 season articles

Author information

Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

Got a potential story, tip or enquiry? Find out more about RaceFans and contact us here.

8 comments on “Giovinazzi to make F1 debut in place of Wehrlein at Sauber”

  1. Surely, there is more to this than what meets the eye. 2 of the 4 engines to be free if you give our test driver a race opportunity may be?

    1. Yeah, this could explain Alonso’s crashes two years in a row, but I’m afraid it’s four per car, not four per driver.

      1. @hoshino I think Sumedh means that Ferrari don’t charge them anything for some engines by giving their test driver a go, as opposed to circumventing the rules.

  2. Got that right from the 20 questions!

    So, so proud of myself! :D

    1. A number of us got that one right actually.

      It was pretty obvious, actually, the guy came within one meter of being decapitated.

      1. Lol. I actually do believe that Pascal is not fit enough, also a little scared. You look at him and he’s looking quite slim, particularly around the neck.

  3. What a shocker for Ericsson if/when Giovinazzi beats him this weekend… Just like Lotterer at Spa 2014.

  4. Finally an Italian back on the grid for the first time in, what, seven years? Obviously not how we would’ve liked it to happen, and I hope Wehrlein recovers, but am I happy for Giovinazzi

Comments are closed.