'Wehrlein no junior driver', says Kaltenborn

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Sauber's Monisha Kaltenborn gets a little testy when one suggests that the Swiss outfit has hired a 'junior' driver with Pascal Wehrlein.

While the 22-year-old, who ran his forst F1 season with Manor in 2016, remains a spring chicken still in development under the wings of Mercedes, the Sauber boss denied claims that Hinwill had signed up a junior racer.

"If we had signed a junior, we would give him a bobby (toy) car rather than a Formula 1 car," Kaltenborn told Germany's Auto Bild.

"Pascal has proved his talents in his career so far, including F1, and he will certainly be able to celebrate further career highlights in the future."

Wehrlein's physical condition is currently under medical review following a neck injury sustained two weeks ago at the Race of Champions event in Miami.

His participation in the pre-season test at Barcelona which kicks off on February 27 may be called into question, although Sauber have yet to provide an update on the German's condition.

Pascal Wehrlein's team mate, Marcus Ericsson, is expecting a tough challenge from the young man who will be sitting on the other side of the garage this season.

"My goal is to beat him (Wehrlein) -- what else?" said the Swede.

"I expect a tough fight so I will have to do my best. He has been in the Mercedes programme for a long time, so they seem to believe in him."

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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.