Pascal Wehrlein To Miss F1 Chinese Grand Prix, Could Be Out Even Longer

After sitting out the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, Pascal Wehrlein apparently still isn’t quite ready to make his debut for Sauber F1 Team.

The 22-year-old German revealed Monday that he’ll miss Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, with Antonio Giovinazzi set to fill in, according to ESPN. With the Bahrain Grand Prix looming just one week after Sunday’s race in Shangai, Wehrlein admitted it might be a while before he gets back in the C36.

Wehrlein missed the first preseason test due to a back injury he suffered during the Race of Champions in January, though he was medically cleared for the second week of testing. His decision not to race in Australia and China stems from a lack of physical fitness following nearly a month off from training.

“For me, the most important (thing) is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100 percent performance from my side as soon as possible,” Wehrlein said Monday, via ESPN. “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.”

Personally, we just hope Wehrlein’s situation doesn’t discourage F1 teams from permitting their drivers to participate in ROC in the future. The even is one of the only competitions that allows fans to see drivers from various disciplines — such as NASCAR, Red Bull Global Rallycross and IndyCar — go heatd-to-head.

Thumbnail photo via Mercedes-AMG Petronas