Pascal Wehrlein has admitted that he could be ousted by Sauber at the end of this season. This follows the Swiss outfit ending its scheduled deal to use Honda power for 2018, instead re-signing Ferrari power – a deal that could see Sauber become a junior team for the Scuderia.
Pascal Wehrlein admits that Formula 1 future is in doubt
“Obviously Ferrari want to promote their drivers,” Wehrlein said at Spa. “They [Ferrari] have two strong drivers so it makes sense. As for my programme for 2018, I don’t know anything yet,” referring to Antonio Giovinazzi and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari’s junior programme.
“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,” he admitted.
When asked if he would be willing to be a reserve driver in 2018 as a filler year, the Mercedes-backed driver replied: “There is no point discussing that now. Talks are underway. There are usually different options and you always go for the best one.”
Wehrlein also revealed that he is expecting Sauber to switch its focus on 2018, following another torrid year this season: “It is likely that the configuration of the car will remain until the last race in Abu Dhabi,” he said, “but there are still things we can do with the settings.”
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