Wehrlein unfit, replaced by Giovinazzi

Pascal Wehrlein has withdrawn from the Australian Grand Prix due to a lack of fitness and will be replaced by Antonio Giovinazzi.

The German injured his back in a crash at the Race of Champions in January, causing him to miss the first test for Sauber in Barcelona as a result. Giovinazzi was deputized in the first test but Wehrlein returned for the second week, completing four half-days of running.

However, following Friday practice Wehrlein informed the team he was not feeling fit enough to complete a full race distance and Sauber has moved to replace him with Ferrari reserve Giovinazzi.

"My fitness level is not as it should be for a full race distance because of my training deficit," Wehrlein said. "I explained the situation to the team yesterday evening. Therefore, the Sauber F1 Team has decided not to take any risks. It is a pity, but the best decision for the team."

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said the decision was made by Wehrlein alone and praised the Mercedes youngster's bravery in pulling out.

"We have great respect of Pascal's openness and professionalism," Kaltenborn said. "This decision was definitely not an easy one for him, it underlines his qualities as a team player. The focus is now on his fitness level, and in such a situation we do not take any unnecessary risks. Pascal will be in China as planned."

Giovinazzi will drive in FP3 on Saturday morning ahead of qualifying and his Grand Prix debut on Sunday.