Sauber’s Pascal Wehrlein is to be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi for the Australian Grand Prix.
The German has stated that his fitness levels are below the standard required to complete a race distance, in 2017 cars that are far more physically challenging than their predecessors.
This fitness deficiency is a direct result of Wehrlein’s truncated winter training programme, following his accident in January’s Race of Champions event.
“My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit,” Wehrlein stated.
“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.”
Having replaced Wehrlein in similar circumstances for the opening pre-season test, Antonio Giovinazzi has experience of Sauber’s 2017 challenger.
The Italian finished second in last season’s GP2 Series, narrowly edged out in a close title battle by Prema team-mate and Red Bull junior Pierre Gasly.
He will become the first Italian to start a Grand Prix since 2011, when one-time race winner Jarno Trulli completed his final season in the sport.
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