Sauber has confirmed that Pascal Wehrlein will complete its 2017 driver lin-up alongside Marcus Ericsson.

Despite being arguably F1’s best rookie last year with Manor, the former DTM champion was first overlooked for a Force India promotion with team-mate Esteban Ocon getting the nod instead.

As a Mercedes protégé, Wehrlein then logically emerged as a potential candidate to replace Nico Rosberg when the 2016 world champion announced his shock retirement from the sport last month.

However, the German manufacturer felt it was too soon to promote the 22-year-old to its championship-winning works outfit. With Manor’s future growing dim over the winter, Wehrlein has now found refuge at Sauber.

“I am very delighted at being a part of the Sauber F1 Team for the upcoming Formula One Season,” he said upon the announcement.

“It is a new challenge in a new team, and I am really excited and looking forward to this new adventure. Our objective is to establish ourselves in the mid-field and to score points on a regular basis. That being said, I will do my best to support Sauber.

“Now I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the team and to tackling the preparations for the 2017 season. I want to say a big thank you to Sauber for trusting in me and giving me this great chance. And surely, a huge thanks also goes to Mercedes for the support.”

Wehrlein’s confirmation means there are only two seats left on the 2017 grid, provided that Manor, which fell into administration in early January, finds a buyer before this Friday.

It also suggests that Valtteri Bottas' move to Mercedes is all but sealed with an announcement expected this week.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

13 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

15 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

16 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

18 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

19 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

20 hours ago