Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, December 2.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Champions slam Ricciardo over F1 replay criticism
© Reuters
Two former world champions have slammed Daniel Ricciardo for his stinging rebuke of the way Formula 1 handled the replays of Romain Grosjean's fiery crash.
Australian Ricciardo said he was "disgusted" with F1 for the way the official broadcast turned a serious accident into a "Hollywood" moment.
But the Renault driver's fellow Australian Alan Jones, the notoriously tough 1980 world champion, suggests that if Ricciardo is that upset about crash replays, "he should give it up".
"We've got poor old Daniel Ricciardo raving on about how insensitive and stupid it was to show the replays, but without flossing over it, it's a dangerous sport," he told Wide World of Sports.
"We all like to see a good shunt as long as nobody gets hurt. That possibility is getting less and less as the safety comes on in leaps and bounds.
"But it's still an unsafe sport - and Daniel's going on about the replays before the race restarts. If he's not aware that something like that could happen, he should give it up," Jones, 74, added.
With an almost identical opinion is another former world champion who also won his title with Williams - the always-outspoken 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve.
"I totally disagree with Ricciardo," the French Canadian told Sky Italia.
"If he really thinks that way about broadcasting those images, he should start looking for another job.
"He's completely wrong anyway," Villeneuve, 49, continued. "They only showed the images when they knew Grosjean was ok.
"If Ricciardo wants to make millions and be an F1 driver, then he knows that this is part of the game."
Villeneuve has similar advice for television spectators of Formula 1 who may also be upset with the way the sport handled last Sunday's broadcast.
"No one is forced to watch Formula 1," he said. "It's a spectacle and this is part of it.
"People do want to see this, but if Ricciardo really does think that way about it, he should also turn the TV off."
Boss says Grosjean replacement Fittipaldi 'not a mascot'
© Reuters
Gunther Steiner has hit back at critics of Haas' decision to replace the injured Romain Grosjean with Pietro Fittipaldi this weekend in Bahrain.
Although 24-year-old Fittipaldi - the grandson of Brazilian F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi - has tested for the team several times, he has not driven a Formula 1 car in 2020.
But team boss Steiner said the rookie had travelled to Bahrain prior to Grosjean's crash to serve as the official reserve driver.
"We don't have him as a mascot," he insisted.
"My initial concern was a case of Covid rather than an injury, but this is why I asked him to accompany us for these three weeks.
"We also have Louis Deletraz, but Pietro is in our bubble - he did all the Covid tests. Emerson was a star in his day and having his name is certainly a good thing, but that's not the main reason for having him here.
"Pietro is here because he did a good job," Steiner added.
At the same time, he acknowledges that it will be a difficult weekend for Fittipaldi in an uncompetitive car that also will not suit Bahrain's fast outer circuit layout.
"It will not be easy to have a good result with our car, especially with this route," Steiner said.
"He has done some oval tests before and maybe that will help him, and it will also help that he has been with several different teams and cars throughout his career.
"He will adapt fast and we will help him with that. Kevin (Magnussen) has already offered to help and answer any questions," he added.
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton tests positive for coronavirus
The Briton is already confirmed as world champion. Read more.
Nikita Mazepin signs for Haas on multi-year deal from 2021
The Moscow-born 21-year-old says he appreciates the trust being placed in him by the American marque. Read more.
Jordan Henderson makes shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year
Lewis Hamilton is joined on the prestigious list by world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and world snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton "devastated" to miss Sakhir GP after positive coronavirus test
The seven-time world champion has to isolate for 10 days and is a doubt for the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Read more.
Gunther Steiner says Romain Grosjean wants to race in Abu Dhabi
Romain Grosjean hopes to be back for the final race of the season. Read more.
Stuart Broad joins Lewis Hamilton in nominations for SPOTY
The other four hopefuls will be revealed throughout Tuesday on the BBC's various platforms. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year
The other five hopefuls will be revealed throughout Tuesday by the BBC. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton feels "OK with mild symptoms" after contracting coronavirus
The seven-time Formula One world champion will have to isolate at his hotel in Bahrain. Read more.
A look at Formula One father-son duos as Mick Schumacher is handed Haas spot
The 21-year-old German joins a long list of sons following in his famous father's footsteps. Read more.
Romain Grosjean discharged from hospital after horror crash
The Frenchman suffered burns to his hands after colliding head on with safety barriers shortly after the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Read more.
Michael Schumacher's son to race for Haas during 2021 Formula One season
The 21-year-old German could wrap up the Formula Two championship in Bahrain this weekend. Read more.
Ferrari wants leniency as budget cap looms
Ferrari is pushing for leniency as the budget cap looms for 2021. Read more.
Two candidates in running to replace Hamilton
Two candidates have emerged at the front of the queue for Lewis Hamilton's plum Mercedes cockpit this weekend in Bahrain. Read more.
French GP crowd capped at 15,000 for 2021
French GP organisers have been granted approval for a crowd size of just 15,000 spectators for the race at Paul Ricard next June. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton to be replaced by George Russell at Sakhir Grand Prix
World champion Lewis Hamilton is out of the race after testing positive for coronavirus. Read more.
Haas admits Mazepin's father could sponsor team
Gunther Steiner has defended his decision to sign Nikita Mazepin for 2021 and beyond - and denied that the Russian's father Dmitry is buying the small American team. Read more.
No green light for Grosjean's return yet - Steiner
Romain Grosjean says he wants to return to action for his final Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi next weekend "after a bit of psychological work". Read more.
VW to quit motor racing completely
Volkswagen is quitting motor racing - completely. Read more.
