Former Formula 1 driver PASCAL WEHRLEIN is leaving the Mercedes factory team as he bids for a return to the world championship. An F1 driver with Manor in '16 and Sauber in '17, Wehrlein was "one of the crop of highly rated young talents with the ability to win multiple world championship titles," but with LEWIS HAMILTON, NICO ROSBERG and VALTTERI BOTTAS filling the factory seats, the German’s F1 "options were limited" (AUTOWEEK, 9/14). ... League One side Plymouth Argyle Honorary President CHRIS WEBB will "give up the role." Webb was "instrumental" in bringing outgoing Chair JAMES BRENT to the club in '11, when it was in administration "in the midst of major financial problems." Brent is due to step down next month, with U.S.-based Dir SIMON HALLETT taking a majority stake in the club (BBC, 9/17). ... League Championship side Derby County Manager FRANK LAMPARD was charged with "improper conduct" by the FA and is set for his first fine as a manager. Lampard is "facing punishment after he was sent off" during the 1-0 defeat at Rotherham on Saturday. The former England int'l was "furious" with official PETER BANKES for his failure to award Derby a penalty (London TELEGRAPH, 9/17).
