Wehrlein not electrified by a move to Formula E

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As he contemplates his uncertain future, Sauber's Pascal Wehrlein is discarding a move to the growing Formula E series.

Sauber extended its engine deal with Ferrari last week and the Swiss outfit is likely to become, at least in part, the preferred destination for the Scuderia's young talent in search of an F1 apprenticeship.

With Marcus Ericsson remaining close to the team's owners, Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein could find himself as the odd man out at the end of the year, with Sauber team principal Fred Vasseur opening the team's gates to either Antonio Giovinazzi or Charles Leclerc.

"I have scored all five points," the 22-year-old told Bild newspaper, "and in qualifying it is 8:2 for me against Ericsson. What more can I do?"

Reports have suggested Wehrlein could return to DTM, where he won the title in 2015, but Mercedes is pulling out of the German touring car series after 2018.

Pascal Wehrlein's F1 future is in jeopardy!

"I got a message shortly before the announcement as I know some people at HWA," said the German.

"I think it's not a simple situation."

Formula E appears to have much appeal currently, both with drivers and manufacturers, but Wehrlein is far from convinced by a move to the all-electric series.

"I like noise, performance and fuel. I cannot even imagine racing in Formula E," he said.

Mercedes Toto Wolff who looks after Wehrlein's interests says it's premature for the German to cast a negative outlook on his future.

"There are many movements on the market," Wolff said.

"In the next two weeks, a few interesting things could happen."

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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.