Wehrlein wary of Ferrari junior threat

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Pascal Wehrlein admits that he could be deposed from his Sauber seat in 2018 by a Ferrari junior lurking in the wings.

The Swiss outfit canceled its Honda engine deal and extended its agreement with Ferrari, fueling speculation that the Scuderia will consider Sauber as its de facto 'B' team and training ground for its young talent.

"Obviously Ferrari want to promote their drivers, they have two strong drivers so it makes sense," said Wehrlein, referring to Scuderia young guns Antonio Giovinazzi and Charles Leclerc.

"As for my programme for 2018, I don't know anything yet," he added.

"But I don't have a backup plan. It's only August. This year I signed the contract in January and the year before it was even February, but I do hope I will find out soon what is coming for me in 2018."

Vasseur open to running Ferrari juniors at Sauber

A Mercedes protégé, Wehrlein wouldn't say if he would consider a stop-gap solution for 2018 as a reserve driver.

"There is no point discussing that now. Talks are underway. There are usually different options and you always go for the best one."

Finally, Wehrlein said he is expecting Sauber to now switch focus to its 2018 car.

"It is likely that the configuration of the car will remain until the last race in Abu Dhabi, but there are still things we can do with the settings."

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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.