Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, September 28.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Wolff not ruling out Hamilton-Red Bull deal
© Reuters
Toto Wolff is refusing to rule out a scenario in which Lewis Hamilton decides to leave Mercedes at the end of the season.
Eddie Jordan, who is also predicting that Ineos will buy the works Mercedes team, claimed last week that Hamilton should team up with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
"I wondered what Eddie had been drinking," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner when asked about that.
"Look, from a fan's perspective he's absolutely right, but I've not heard from Lewis recently, so I can only imagine he's staying where he is."
Wolff, however, repeatedly insists that he is yet to "sit down" with Hamilton to discuss extending the six-time world champion's contract.
"Never say never," he said when asked about Jordan's prediction. "I've seen crazier things in my life.
"But I don't see why Lewis would do that," Wolff added. "He has a very strong personal bond with the Mercedes brand and the team that he helped to create.
"At the moment we are giving him the best car and we have mutual trust in each other. We still have successful times ahead of us.
"I do not believe such a move for him would be rationally understandable."
Huge F2 crash may reveal 18-inch tyre flaw
© Reuters
F1's governing body will look into whether there is a safety problem with the sort of 18-inch wheels that are set to be introduced in Formula 1 in 2022.
Although the corona crisis has put back the introduction into F1 until 2022, the Formula 2 field is using 18-inch Pirelli tyres for the first time this year.
On Sunday at Sochi, a frightening and ultimately fiery crash between Luca Ghiotto and Jack Aitken forced the abandonment of the Formula 2 race.
Afterwards, some observers wondered if the crash highlighted a problem with the 18-inch design that causes a sudden puncture with even light contact.
"I hadn't noticed that," Daniel Ricciardo said on Sunday when asked about the incident and the potential link with the 18-inch wheels.
"I'm just glad that the drivers are ok, but I am sure that all the parties involved will look into whether there are any problems with the way the new wheels work."
F1 race director Michael Masi was asked the same question, and he also admitted he has not thought about whether the 18-inch design is inherently problematic.
"To be honest, regarding this incident, I was primarily interested in the condition of the drivers and the restoration of the barrier," he said.
"But the FIA always pays attention to these things, so I'm sure that together with Pirelli we will investigate it after the weekend, as is the case with any other serious incident."
More news from Formula 1:
Hermann Tilke could not attend Russian GP
Hermann Tilke has become a third high-profile expected attendee who is in fact not present at the Russian GP this weekend. Read more.
Raikkonen denies extending Alfa Romeo contract
Kimi Raikkonen has denied reports that he has extended his stay at Alfa Romeo into 2021. Read more.
Handball fury, Man City hammered, Hamilton penalised: The sporting weekend in pictures
It proved an eventful weekend at home and abroad. Read more.
Perez would accept Red Bull offer
Sergio Perez says he would "without a doubt" accept an offer to become Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton accuses F1 bosses of being out to get him after Russia GP
The six-time world champion was penalised by the stewards for performing two illegal practice starts. Read more.
Russian Grand Prix: What was said between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
The frustration was evident in the exchanges. Read more.
Kvyat fends off Tsunoda 'rumours'
Daniil Kvyat says he is not bothered by "rumours" that a Japanese Formula 2 driver is set to replace him at Alpha Tauri for 2020. Read more.
Result: Valtteri Bottas wins Russian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton forced to wait
Valtteri Bottas claimed his second win of the campaign ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Read more.
Valtteri Bottas says "f*** you" to critics after winning Russian Grand Prix
The Finn trails Lewis Hamilton by 44 points in the world championship standings. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton hit with two five-second penalties pre-Russian Grand Prix
He was handed two five-second penalties. Read more.
Steward Salo hits back at Hamilton accusations
A well-known steward has hit back at Lewis Hamilton's accusations that officials are trying to stop his dominance of Formula 1. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton penalty points chalked off by FIA
Mercedes accept blame for error which cost the Briton an historic victory at Sochi. Read more.
Hamilton wants Wolff to stay at Mercedes
Toto Wolff on Sunday said he still isn't sure what official role he will have in 2021. Read more.
'Bigger update' coming for Nurburgring - Leclerc
An even "bigger update" for Ferrari's uncompetitive 2020 car will be introduced at the very next race at the Nurburgring. Read more.
Sochi set to discuss new Russia GP contract
Sochi is looking to extend its contract in order to keep hosting the Russian GP in 2021 and beyond. Read more.
