Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, July 16.
Thursday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
F1 will cope with virus rules in Hungary - Horner
© Reuters
Formula 1 will cope with Hungary's draconian anti-coronavirus measures this weekend, according to Christian Horner.
The Red Bull team boss is referring to the fact that UK and some other non-European citizens will be completely confined either to the circuit near Budapest or their hotel this weekend.
Because the potential penalties involve jail-time, it was rumoured that Formula 1 might call off the visit to Hungary.
But Horner says F1 will cope.
"I have to admit that it is not something that was totally unexpected, given the current circumstances," he said.
"First and foremost, we are going to Budapest to go racing. We normally spend so much time at the track that when we get back to the hotel, there is not time to go out and explore the city anyway.
"Our focus will be on what's happening on track and not about the inconvenience of being confined to a hotel room," Horner added. "We know we have a gap to close to fight for this championship and that is what we will do."
Horner also took the opportunity to once again defend Alex Albon from accusations he is not fast enough to be Max Verstappen's teammate, particularly after the second race in Austria.
"Let's remember that he came off the back of a strong weekend the previous week where he was challenging Lewis for victory," he said. "It just shows how people have a short memory in Formula 1 and they're quick to forget things.
"Alex is improving with experience, he has a good feel for what the car is doing and that's very encouraging," Horner added. "We all want him to succeed and let's not forget he's only done 11 races with the team whilst Max is in his sixth season."
Hulkenberg 'itching' to race again in August
© Reuters
Nico Hulkenberg has admitted he is "itching" to go racing again.
It has been announced that the 32-year-old German, who was dropped by Renault at the end of last year, will make a guest appearance in mid-August in the ADAC GT Masters race at the Nurburgring.
He will drive a Lamborghini Huracan GT3.
"Especially now that Formula 1 has started again, I am really itching to race," the former F1 driver said.
"After a break of almost eight months, I'm really keen to feel the adrenaline flow again."
However, he denied that he will take part in the full series, insisting: "This is only to be understood as a small, exciting adventure in GT racing."
Hulkenberg said recently that he would like to return to Formula 1, but admitted that there are "not too many options" available for 2021.
More transfer news from Formula 1:
'Compromise' likely in pink Mercedes protest - boss
An unnamed F1 team boss thinks the FIA will "find a compromise" to the current dispute about customer cars. Read more.
Red Bull-Honda 'too slow on straights' - Verstappen
Toto Wolff thinks Mercedes could be in for a fight this weekend in Hungary. Read more.
Ferrari will support Vettel in 2020 - Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen says he doubts his friend Sebastian Vettel's relationship with Ferrari is so broken that the German cannot complete the season at Maranello. Read more.
Team owner Stroll could oust own son - Schumacher
Ralf Schumacher is not so sure that Racing Point will oust Sergio Perez at the end of 2020. Read more.
Steiner admits Ferrari 'engine power' an issue
Engine power is an issue at Haas this year, boss Gunther Steiner has admitted. Read more.
Re-signing Bottas makes sense - Salo
It makes sense that Mercedes is hanging onto Valtteri Bottas for 2021. Read more.
Racing Point denies Vettel deal already done
Sergio Perez's manager is reportedly looking around for an alternative seat for the Mexican driver. Read more.
Bob Fernley provides F1 car for students from diverse backgrounds
Fernley has put forward his own Ensign F1 car to be run by students attending the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering. Read more.
Renault to be in F1 'a long time' - Briatore
Renault will be in Formula 1 "for a long time", according to the French works outfit's former boss. Read more.
Ricciardo insists Abiteboul relationship 'cool'
Daniel Ricciardo insists "everything is cool" between himself and his current team boss Cyril Abiteboul. Read more.
Vettel not confirming Aston Martin move for 2021
Sebastian Vettel is poised to rescue his beleaguered Formula 1 career by signing up with Aston Martin for 2021. Read more.
Toto Wolff says he will no longer wear a clear face shield in the Formula 1 paddock. Read more.
Ferrari has identified Binotto's successor - report
Mattia Binotto's successor as Ferrari team boss may already have been found. Read more.
