Antonio Giovinazzi to make Sauber race debut as Pascal Wehrlein pulls out of first race

Sauber's Pascal Wehrlein has pulled out of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, meaning Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi will make his Formula 1 race debut in Melbourne.

Wehrlein injured his back after crashing out of the Race of Champions event in late-January, forcing him to miss the first pre-season test – which Giovinazzi stepped up for. However Wehrlein was later cleared to take part in the second test and again this weekend.

But on Friday evening, Wehrlein told the team he had concerns over whether or not he would be able to finish the race.

"My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit," he said.

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"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 praised Wehrlein's professional approach to the situation.

“We have great respect of Pascal’s openness and professionalism. 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.”