Pascal Wehrlein: “The most difficult days are behind me”

Pascal Wehrlein, returned to action in Bahrain after missing the first two races of the season in Australia and China, took 11th place last Sunday in Bahrain.

Injured at the level of a vertebra in an accident during the last Race of Champions in Miami in January, Pascal Wehrlein was unable to drive the Sauber C36 – Ferrari during the Melbourne and Shanghai events.

Replaced by the Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, the German was finally able to regain his place last weekend in Bahrain, despite his physical condition not yet being entirely optimal.

“My physical preparation was of course started by this accident, and the rehabilitation that followed, admits Wehrlein. For five weeks I wasn't able to work out, I had to make do with cycling in a gym, which is hardly fun. At the muscular level, I didn't strengthen myself as much as I should. »

A lack of preparation coupled with a not yet optimal driving position. “Every time I'm in the car, I look for my position, I feel it in my back. I'm not 100% well settled. It's not a lot of pain, I would rather call it discomfort. If it was painful, I wouldn't fly. »

A first victory

13th at the end of the qualifying session, Pascal Wehrlein remembered the good memories of the paddock by taking 11th place under the checkered flag, just outside the points. A clearly unexpected result for the protégé of Mercedes.

“I didn’t know what to expect as I had never driven the distance of a Grand Prix in the new car before., comments Wehrlein.

The race was a life-size test, and it’s just incredible to finish and be so high in the rankings… This result gives me a “boost” of energy. I think the hardest days are behind me. »

Find the full report and analysis of the Bahrain Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents on the Sakhir track, in AUTO issue 2110hebdo, always available in digital version and on newsstands.