F1 | Wehrlein: “Mercedes' farewell to the DTM closes a door”

The news of Mercedes' farewell to DTM to start a new path in Formula E surprised many professionals. Among these it could not be missing pascal wehrlein who, thanks to the victory in the DTM, had the opportunity to land in Formula 1.

The driver, now at Sauber, said he is convinced that this farewell will preclude a rather important possibility for some young drivers who, like him, cultivate the desire to reach the top of motorsport.

“Thanks to Mercedes you still have the chance to go to Formula 1. The DTM was not the normal way – he told Planet F1 – we start in Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2, GP3, that's the normal way."

“But I can say that in my case it wasn't possible to drive in GP2 since I didn't have a million and a half budget to spend on deciding what to do after Formula 3. There was an offer from Mercedes to drive in the DTM, where I was getting paid and I didn't have to spend a lot of money to stay another year in Formula 3 or something like that. For me the only option was the DTM and I was really happy with this possibility."

What also counted in his case was talent, but the second chance that was offered to him will no longer be there for many young drivers who will now have to follow the more classic and expensive path.

“I've always done a good job, so I could have had other chances to get to F1 – he continued – fortunately I won the DTM and now I'm in the circus but I think this was only possible thanks to Mercedes. From now on, without DTM, I think they will put their drivers in Formula 3, GP3 or F2."

Manuel Lai