Pascal Wehrlein has explained the black patch at the front of his helmet in Barcelona.

Eagle-eyed observers have noticed that the German has blacked out the prominent Mercedes star from just above his visor.

Wehrlein is a Mercedes-backed driver, but he has switched from Manor to Ferrari-powered Sauber for 2017.

When asked about the blacked-out Mercedes logo, he told Bild in Barcelona: "That was a decision by Toto [Wolff] and myself.

"Ferrari supplies engines to Sauber, I am also working with Ferrari people now, so I don't want any tension to arise."

Wehrlein won Manor's sole point of the 2016 championship at the Austrian Grand Prix.