Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn has rubbished conspiracy theories behind Pascal Wehrlein's continued absence from the cockpit, saying "the story is actually very straightforward".
Wehrlein is missing this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, which follows his decision to skip the season opening Australian Grand Prix after deciding he was not fit enough to compete. The German-Mauritian driver has been playing catch-up with his fitness ever since sustaining a back injury at the Race of Champions in January, which significantly limited his training time at a crucial point in the season.
The situation has created some confusion and scepticism in the paddock but Kaltenborn says there is nothing else going on behind the scenes.