Sauber's Pascal Wehrlein has hit back at critics who have suggested that the youngster should have attempted to race in Australia and China.
Wehrlein sustained a back injury at the Race of Champions in January, which impacted on his training regime, and while he returned for the second pre-season test, he withdrew from the Australian Grand Prix after Friday's practice sessions, citing a lack of fitness.
Wehrlein missed the Chinese Grand Prix but has returned for this weekend's third round of the season in Bahrain, and has responded to comments from some quarters that he should have attempted to compete.
"I don't care too much what the others said, because they didn't know my situation," Wehrlein is quoted by Motorsport.com.
"And they were commenting on my situation. I think for me it was the right decision, and it was felt together with Monisha [Kaltenborn] and with Toto [Wolff]. What the others drivers think, it's their opinion.
"If you don't know which injury someone had, you shouldn't criticise him. It's quite simple, you know.
"The injury wasn't something too serious, because I'm fine now, but if it was just some muscle pain, or anything else, do you think that Sauber or Mercedes would accept for me to not drive? Some negative comments I heard. I don't mind too much.
Wehrlein added that he is sure he will be able to complete the entirety of the race weekend at Sakhir.
"It's my first race this year, and normally the more races you do, the easier it gets," he commented.
"But otherwise I think I will be fine in the car. [I have] no pain, that's the most important thing. The track is also quite flat, not many bumps. It's just a bit hot, but otherwise it's OK."
