DTM race winner Pascal Wehrlein has joined the Mercedes F1 squad in a reserve driver role.

The 19-year-old German driver has been working with the Brackley-based squad since the start of the season, with the announcement coming just a day after the teenager became the youngest ever winner of a DTM race at the Lausitzring.

Wehrlein, who will travel to all grands prix, will now be called upon by the team if drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are unable to compete.

“For me, it is a nice recognition of my efforts that I have been nominated as reserve driver for Mercedes,” said Wehrlein.

“It’s a dream come true to have completed this test and now to take on my new role.

“All my life, I have worked hard to get the opportunity to drive an F1 car. And it was always my goal to do it with Mercedes-Benz.”

The young German, who finished as the runner-up in the 2012 F3 EuroSeries, has already undertaken simulator work and last week he completed 500km behind the wheel of Mercedes 2012 car at Portugal’s Portimao circuit.

“Aside from Nico and Lewis, he is the driver most familiar with all the procedures of our F1 W05 Hybrid and therefore the right choice for the role of reserve driver,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wollf.

“He took an important step last week when he drove a Formula One car for the first time – and we were pleased to see him deliver a composed and impressive test, in line with our expectations.”