Sauber shocked by 'appalling' criticism of Wehrlein

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Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn says the Swiss outfit is appalled by the criticism directed towards Pascal Wehrlein following his decision to withdraw from last Sunday's Australian GP.

As a consequence of a lack of winter training due to a back injury sustained at the ROC in Miami early February, the German driver felt he was unfit to endure a 58-lap race around Albert Park.

He subsequently decided to retire from the weekend's proceedings on Saturday morning, leaving Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi to fill his seat.

Many in the paddock stepped in to lambast Wehrlein, believing he should have just 'got on with it', as David Coulthard said.

Wehrlein confident he will be back for China

But Kaltenborn disapproves strongly of the unfavorable judgment.

"He just needs time," Kaltenborn told Motorsport.com.

"I think it is really awful how people think they have any sort of competence to say anything about him.

"They just have their weird views from wherever they come and have no authority at all to judge over anyone.

"I think it is rather appalling how people think they can judge this and they should look at themselves first.

"It takes a lot for someone so ambitious to openly admit and say, 'Guys, in these circumstances, I cannot cover the entire race distance'.

"So one should rather appreciate that kind of openness and honesty, which is not easy to maintain with the kind of pressure these guys have."

Sauber is expecting Wehrlein's fitness level to improve sufficiently for him to race normally in Shanghai next week.

But Antonio Giovinazzi, who acquitted himself remarkably well last weekend, shall remain on stand-by just in case.

GALLERY: all the pics from Sunday's Australian GP action

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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.