Wehrlein: 'Mercedes didn't want to burn me with top F1 seat'

Pascal Wehrlein says that Mercedes probably did him a favour by not signing him in 2017 as a replacement to retired world champion Nico Rosberg.

As a Mercedes protégé, the 22-year-old German was thought to be first in line to inherit the plum Silver arrows drive, but the German team ultimately privileged experience over youth when it hired Valtteri Bottas.

Patience is a virtue when it comes to waiting for a top F1 seat, according to Wehrlein.

"Toto told me he didn't want to burn me," he told Germany's Sport Bild.

"He said they still believe in me and that I should instead build myself up in peace. Of course I hoped for a change to the world champion team, but when Mercedes went for Bottas, I wasn't too disappointed.

"Why? Because my original 'plan A' was still fulfilled," he said.

Wehrlein admits 'old engine' a weakness at Sauber

Wehrlein's 'plan A' involved a move from the now extinct Manor outfit to Sauber, and that is exactly what the German got.

Despite Sauber likely lining up towards the rear of the grid, with its 2017 C36 powered by a year-old Ferrari power unit, Wehrlein deems himself happy with his current state of affairs.

"Sauber is at the beginning of an era," he said.

"There is enormous potential in the team and I am proud to be a part of this building back up. We have a highly professional, international team."

Wehrlein admitted to have bee highly impressed by the Swiss outfit's state of the art wind tunnel at Hinwil.

"As I said, I think there is huge potential in the team. But we will have to have a little patience."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.