Pascal Wehrlein makes his return to DTM

The now former Formula 1 driver now knows what his 2018 season will consist of after the announcement of his return to DTM with Mercedes, in a championship he knows well, having won it in 2015.

It is officially the end of a two-year adventure in the top single-seater discipline. The German had joined the small British team Manor for the 2016 season, thanks in part to the team’s engines being supplied by Mercedes. After scoring the team’s only point, he was forced to find another seat for 2017 following the team’s bankruptcy.

While Force India preferred Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas was named as Nico Rosberg’s replacement at Mercedes, he joined Sauber, somewhat by default. Despite a rather convincing campaign that resulted in the only points for the Swiss team, he was officially replaced for 2018 by Ferrari protégé and F2 champion Charles Leclerc.

As Mercedes prepares to begin its final season in the German touring car championship to focus on Formula E, the young 23-year-old driver will be joined by Paul Di Resta, who retains his spot after hoping for a seat at Williams. His other teammates will be Gary Paffett, Edoardo Mortara, Lucas Auer, and likely Dani Juncadella.

Pascal Wehrlein was keen to respond after the announcement of his return to DTM: « I have great memories of DTM, not only because of my title victory in 2015 but also through the team spirit and many incredible experiences I had with the guys. »

Despite his Formula 1 stint, the young Mercedes driver continued to closely observe the championship: « I followed the DTM closely during my time in Formula 1 and even participated in a few races to observe the team and support them. Many things have changed since my last race in the season finale at Hockenheim in 2015, but I love challenges and I am eager to try our new car on the track for the first time. » concluded the German.