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."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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

 

 

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.

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…

10 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…

11 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…

13 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…

14 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…

16 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…

17 hours ago