Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein to miss Chinese Grand Prix

Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein will miss his second Formula One race of the season after deciding to sit out the Chinese Grand Prix because of a back injury.

The German missed the Australian race in Melbourne because of the injury he suffered in a crash at the Race of Champions event in January.

He decided not to race in Australia after struggling in practice and will also sit out the Shanghai race on Sunday.

Wehrlein hopes to be back for the third race of the season in Bahrain on April 16 but it could be two weeks later in Russia before he makes his return.

Wehrlein, whose place in Shanghai will again be taken by Ferrari’s Antonio Giovinazzi, told formula1.com: “For me the most important thing is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100 per cent performance from my side as soon as possible.

“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.”

Toto Wolff, boss of Mercedes where Wehrlein was test driver before his move to Sauber, said: “I feel for Pascal, because he has had all the bad luck. I’m impressed with the maturity he has shown to inform Sauber that he wouldn’t be able to perform at the level required in Melbourne.

“That took courage and selflessness, which I know earned him a lot of credit within the team.

“Now, he needs to build up his fitness and come back strong. I have no doubt that when he’s back in the car, he’ll prove he’s still the same Pascal.”

Giovinazzi, who finished 12 in Melbourne on his F1 debut, will remain with the Sauber team until Wehrlein is fit to return.