Mercedes has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton’s first day of testing in Barcelona has been cut short due to illness.
The defending F1 world champion was due to complete a full day of running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but opted to stop after just two hours due to illness. He had completed just 11 laps and posted a fastest time of 1:30.429 at the time.
The team confirmed via Twitter that its reserve driver, Pascal Wehrlein, would be deputizing for Hamilton in the afternoon session, having completed running in the morning for Force India.
An unplanned stoppage keeping us off track at the moment. @LewisHamilton is unwell and not able to continue driving today… (1 of 2)
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 19, 2015
… so we’re just adjusting the car for Pascal #Wehrlein to take to the track this afternoon. #MusicalChairs
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 19, 2015
We’ve borrowed him back from our friends @ForceIndiaF1. Thanks guys! 🙂
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 19, 2015
Hamilton is set to return to action on Saturday in Barcelona, with teammate Nico Rosberg getting behind the wheel on Friday. You can check out the complete line-up for testing in Barcelona here.
Force India have confirmed that Wehrlein will be replaced in the Force India by Sergio Perez, who wasn’t due to get behind the wheel of the car until Friday in Barcelona.
Change of plans! @SChecoPerez will be in the car this afternoon, taking over our testing programme for the remainder of today. #FeelTheForce
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) February 19, 2015
