Mercedes recall Wehrlein as their drivers fall ill - Rosberg's neck aches and Hamilton has flu
Published by Christine
Lewis Hamilton completed 11 laps of his schedule today before admitting defeat and going home sick. Running a fever, and with what Toto Wolff described as the flu, Hamilton handed over driving duties to test driver Pascal Wehrlein, who had already been loaned out to the Force India crew. Nico Rosberg could have deputised, but was himself struggling with an inflamed and trapped nerve in his neck - which in turn puts his own running for tomorrow in doubt.
As the man of the moment, Wehrlein completed 32 laps for Force India and 48 for Mercedes. He was 8th and 9th on the timesheets at the end of the day. Meanwhile, Force India had to hurriedly get Sergio Pérez back in the car, the Mexican running with what the team described as a ninja-esque helmet - otherwise known as a carbon fibre non-painted helmet because they weren’t ready for him.
Rosberg’s neck is an issue but the team haven’t confirmed whether he’ll be in the car tomorrow or not. His fitness will be assessed in the morning ahead of the second day of running.
