Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, October 9.
Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Hamilton opposed to F1's new Rio de Janeiro race
© Reuters
Lewis Hamilton has come out in opposition to the new Brazilian GP project in Rio de Janeiro.
It emerged this week that F1 chief executive Chase Carey had written to the city's governor "to update you that we have now finalised the agreements for a race" on a new circuit in Rio's Deodoro neighbourhood.
In the letter, Carey referred to the only obstacles as being Brazilian environmental authorities INEA and CECA, amid concerns about the potential impact of the circuit's construction on the nearby Comboata forest ecosystem.
"I love Brazil and have one of my biggest fan bases there," six-time world champion Hamilton said at the Nurburgring.
"I was hoping that this question would not come up, because I personally believe that the world does not need another circuit.
"I love Interlagos and have also been to Rio, and it's a beautiful place," the Mercedes driver added.
"I don't know the details and I've heard that a sustainable race could be possible there, but the most sustainable thing would be not to cut down trees. Especially when we are fighting a pandemic and there is still a global crisis around the world."
Vettel admits buying Aston Martin shares
© Reuters
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has confirmed that he has bought into Alfa Romeo.
The German is joining the Racing Point team next year, which will re-brand itself as Aston Martin in the wake of owner Lawrence Stroll's takeover of the British carmaker.
A few days ago, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff - who has been closely aligned with Stroll in recent times - indicated that Vettel might follow his lead by buying some shares in Aston Martin.
"First and foremost, Sebastian is a racing driver," he said. "But that doesn't mean that he might not buy a few shares as well - especially if the company is still valued low."
Vettel confirmed at the Nurburgring: "I think everyone is free to do what they want with their money.
"Aston Martin is a public company so anyone can invest in it. If you ask me if I have shares, then I will answer that I do.
"How many? That is a question that I do not want to talk about. But I believe in the project - I signed a contract with them.
"I'm looking forward to finding out what we can achieve together next year," he added.
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team member tests positive for coronavirus
The individual returned a positive result on Thursday at the Nurburging. Read more.
Steiner admits meeting with Russian billionaire
Gunther Steiner has admitted to meeting with Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin. Read more.
Schumacher says F1 future 'still very open'
At the Nurburgring for his Friday practice debut, Mick Schumacher would not answer whether his 2021 Alfa Romeo race deal is now signed and sealed. Read more.
On this day in 2011: Sebastian Vettel clinches second F1 world championship
The German won four consecutive championships between 2010 and 2013. Read more.
Verstappen denies giving up on Red Bull
Max Verstappen has dismissed as "rubbish" suggestions that he is falling out with Red Bull. Read more.
Hamilton admits 'concern' about team covid case
Lewis Hamilton has admitted to "concern" after a member of the Mercedes team tested positive for covid-19. Read more.
Raikkonen denies signing 2021 Alfa Romeo deal
Kimi Raikkonen has hit back at reports that he has now signed up to remain with Alfa Romeo in 2021. Read more.
