Wehrlein should be in F1 - Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is insistent that Pascal Wehrlein deserves to compete in Formula One, with the German set to miss out on a seat in the 2018 campaign following his replacement at Sauber by Formula Two champion and Ferrari apprentice, Charles Leclerc.

Sauber only managed to collect five points in 2017, all of which were earned by Wehrlein, but they are set to go with a partnership of Leclerc and Marcus Ericsson for the 2018 campaign.

The Mercedes-Benz protege has received backing from his Head of Motorsport, however. Wolff believes that Wehrlein has the ability to compete in F1 and that his chance would come again in the future. In the meantime, it is Mercedes' intention to keep him race-ready by performing in other driving disciplines.

“Pascal is in a difficult position because there is not really an open spot for next year if Williams’ door closes,” he said to Autosport.

“He deserves to be in Formula 1, he is a very good driver.

“On track his performance was exceptional, and for many other reasons that go much beyond the driving the doors haven’t opened like we would have hoped.

“But I think he has the potential of being a successful Formula 1 driver.”

There is currently only one driving seat unfilled for the 2018 campaign, with Williams, who are yet to officially replace the retired Felipe Massa. Robert Kubica had been touted as a potential candidate for the place, but Sergey Sirotkin is likely to be competing for that final place.