Pascal Wehrlein will miss the Chinese GP and could also miss the Bahrain GP

It was announced this afternoon that Sauber F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein will have to skip the Chinese Grand Prix and could also miss the Bahrain GP as well; as he battles to regain fitness after pulling out of Formula 1’s season-opener in Australia two weeks ago.

The Sauber F1 driver missed 2017’s first race in Melbourne, after struggling through Friday practice and decided it was in his best interests to pull out of driving the Sauber for the weekend to recover.

Wehrlein suffered a back injury from a crash during January’s Race of Champions event, which forced him to skip the first pre-season F1 test in Barcelona and avoid heavy physical training while he recovered.

The FIA passed him fit to race in Australia, but Wehrlein only completed short stints during the second pre-season test in Spain and struggled to achieve consistent lap times during the second Friday practice session in Melbourne.

Ferrari third driver Antonio Giovinazzi stepped in at the last minute to replace Wehrlein in Australia, finishing 12th on his F1 debut, and will continue to race for Sauber until Wehrlein regains fitness.

In a statement to the media this afternoon, Sauber hopes Wehrlein will return to action for the third race of the season in Bahrain, but anticipates the 22-year-old may have to wait until the Russian Grand Prix at the end of April to make his comeback.

“For me the most important [thing] is that I can train intensively to ensure a 100% performance from my side as soon as possible,” Wehrlein said.

“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.”

Sarah Jones-@jonesy_laaa