Mercedes and Pascal Wehrlein separate

The young pilot sector Mercedes empties of an element: pascal wehrlein will no longer be part of the star family after the end of 2018. It was the German manufacturer who announced it Friday afternoon in a press release.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After six seasons together, including conquering the 2015 @DTM title and two seasons in F1, @PWehrlein and @Mercedes Benz will part ways by the end of the 2018 season. #PW94 #DTM #F1 pic.twitter.com/oJNrHtand2

—Mercedes-AMG DTM (@MercedesAMGDTM) September 14, 2018

“We decided together not to go any further, indicates the DTM driver. I am now looking for other challenges and new opportunities, and I am leading discussions with various teams for a steering wheel in 2019.”

Pascal Wehrlein, aged 23, has spent a good part of his career in the fold of Étoile. Youngest participant in the German Touring Championship (DTM) in 2013, he became the youngest winner of a race in 2014 then youngest DTM winner in 2015 (at 21), still behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Rewarded for his peak speed in touring, Pascal Wehrlein was promoted to Formula through a drive at Manor Racing the following season. After finishing in the points in Austria, he was transferred, again with financial assistance from Mercedes, at Sauber in 2017, and returned to DTM in 2018.

#PW94: “Thank you to everyone in Stuttgart, Affalterbach and Brackley who has supported me along the way. And now it’s time to take the next step.” #DTM #F1 pic.twitter.com/7fCeNdg0sB

— Mercedes-AMG DTM (@MercedesAMGDTM) September 14, 2018

Toto wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes in F1, adds: “Unfortunately, we could not guarantee Pascal a competitive drive for next year. In his interest, we have decided by mutual agreement not to extend our association, and to give him the best chance to land a great opportunity worthy of his talent. We thank him for his performances. »

Pascal Wehrlein is in 8th place in the DTM with two rounds remaining.