Pascal Wehrlein announced he will compete in the 2016 Formula 1 season with Manor Racing, according to reports in the German media.
Wednesday morning German media reported that talks between Wehrlein and Manor had reached a successful conclusion. With German publication Autobild quoting the youngster as confirming his debut in F1.
“The discussions were done by Toto Wolff for me,” he said. “He helps me a lot, for which I am very, very grateful. A dream has come true. Since I visited my first Grand Prix when I was six, I wanted to become Formula One driver.”
Wehrlein will be no stranger to F1, if confirmed, with accumulating a significant amount of testing with both Mercedes AMG PETRONAS as their development and reserve driver. Also with Sahara Force India after being on loan to the Silverstone-based team during last year’s pre-season testing.
The German has completed three seasons in DTM with Mercedes with winning the DTM title last year.. If reports are true Wehrlein’s move will have an impact on Mercedes’ DTM plans. His departure from the squad will now likely open the way for Esteban Ocon to secure a seat alongside his Renault F1 reserve duties.
The news is not yet confirmed by the team as well as the identity of Wehrlein’s team-mate. Alexander Rossi, who drove for Manor towards the end of the 2015 season and GP2 driver Rio Haryanto are believed to be in the running.
