Toto Wolff praises ‘mature’ Pascal Wehrlein amid fitness troubles

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has praised youngster Pascal Wehrlein for his "maturity" in withdrawing from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on fitness grounds, caused by his Race of Champions crash.

Sauber driver Wehrlein picked up a back injury after an incident at the event in January and missed the opening pre-season test as a result, but was cleared to return to action for the second group running, and headed to the first round in Melbourne as planned.

Wehrlein completed both Friday practice sessions in the C36-Ferrari but withdrew from remainder event, citing a lack of fitness due to his training deficit, and was replaced by Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Wehrlein will attempt to return to competitive action in China this weekend, with Giovinazzi on standby once more, but Wolff has hailed the approach adopted by Mercedes' protégé

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"I feel for Pascal, because he has had all the bad luck," said Wolff.

"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."

Wolff also extended praise to Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, believing the Briton to be operating at his best level since joining the team in 2013.

"I've been encouraged by how both of our drivers are approaching this season so far," said Wolff.

"Lewis is the best Lewis that I've seen in the last four years, both on and off track. He has become a pillar of this team and he proved that in Melbourne.

"Valtteri has settled in well and performed at a high level, rising above all the pressure and seamlessly taking over from Nico [Rosberg].