Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, September 4.
Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
'Political' reason for Renault surge - report
© Reuters
There is a "political" factor behind Renault's surge towards the front of the grid.
That is the claim of Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper, after the French works team's sudden show of much stronger form at Spa.
"If Renault continues like that, I will not be surprised to see them on the second or even the first row of the grid at Monza," said Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers.
Corriere della Sera's theory is that Renault surprisingly decided to drop its appeal over the 'pink Mercedes' affair in exchange for a favour from Daimler.
"Renault has suddenly improved its engine," the report claims.
"It seems that there is a political story behind this based on exchanges of favours involving the Daimler Mercedes group."
Recently, Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said the French carmaker and Daimler had decided to "re-trigger" their former alliance.
Corriere claims Renault's Spa boost followed a meeting between Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius and his Renault counterpart Luca de Meo.
The suggestion is that Mercedes subsequently agreed to help Renault with information about power unit optimisation.
"We found the sweet spot," Daniel Ricciardo had declared at Spa when asked about Renault's sudden surge in form.
"For me it was the feeling I have with the car. It was like 'Yes, this is what we need to make the car work'. I don't think we had a discovery like this last year, so that's encouraging."
Wolff has idea to make F1 more entertaining
© Reuters
Dr Helmut Marko admits he is "starting to worry" about Formula 1.
Amid the corona crisis, the sport managed to get up and racing with a modified calendar and various health measures in place - including, for now, the absence of spectators.
But then it became clear the extent to which Mercedes would dominate with its 2020 car.
Red Bull has championed the 'party mode' ban which debuts this weekend at Monza, and Dr Helmut Marko told Osterreich newspaper: "I hope we are spared the next boredom."
Indeed, Spa last week was a particularly processional race. Marko added: "When I look at how it works in MotoGP, I start to worry about Formula 1."
Fellow Red Bull boss Christian Horner thinks one solution would be for each driver to have to use all three tyre compounds in every race, ending what he calls "boring" one-stoppers.
Toto Wolff has another idea, but he also defends Mercedes' dominance of F1.
"I understand what the fans are saying and I think it would be very easy for me to say 'there are good football games and bad football games'," he is quoted by Brazil's Globo Esporte.
"Nobody wants to see a team dominate the championship. But we do not believe that we are dominating," the Mercedes team boss added.
Indeed, he suggests that opening up teams' internal radio communications will better demonstrate to the fans how much tension goes into each race win.
"I think we should consider making these communications available to the fans, so they can follow the action and see what really happens internally," said Wolff.
"There's a lot more drama that goes on behind the curtains. Getting the parts ready, technical problems, bringing updates to the track at the last minute, and like in Belgium, all the worries of a one-stop strategy.
"If it happens, I think this may be an additional way to enhance the entertainment factor," he added.
Wolff also thinks new additions to the 'corona calendar' will make 2020 more exciting.
"Mugello is an unbelievable track, which I know from my time as a driver," he said. "I'm also looking forward to Portimao, which should be a very fun place, and then we are returning to the iconic Imola, and Turkey and Bahrain.
"Many changes are coming up and I hope they add to the fun."
More news from Formula 1:
Sir Frank Williams, Claire Williams to leave Williams Racing
Claire Williams, who has acted as the de facto boss of the British team since 2013, revealed she will be departing her role as deputy team principal. Read more.
'Too early' to decide Kvyat's future - Marko
It is "too early to speculate" about Daniil Kvyat's future in Formula 1. Read more.
Magnussen stayed at Haas 'too long' - Nielsen
Formula 1 is leaving Kevin Magnussen behind, according to former Le Mans winner John Nielsen. Read more.
Williams team enters new era as Sir Frank Williams, Claire Williams prepare to step aside
James Matthews, the husband of Pippa Middleton, will be on the team's board. Read more.
Vettel stopped feeling Ferrari support - Montezemolo
Sebastian Vettel was never a troublemaker at Ferrari, the team's former president Luca di Montezemolo insists. Read more.
Steiner ramps up pressure on Haas supplier Ferrari
Gunther Steiner is ramping up the pressure on Haas' crisis-struck engine supplier Ferrari. Read more.
2020 season 'not boring' - Petrov
Former F1 driver Vitaly Petrov has hit back at claims that Formula 1 is "boring" in 2020. Read more.
No fix yet for Bottas 'leg numbness' issue
Mercedes is working to fix a problem that leaves Valtteri Bottas with leg numbness while driving the otherwise-dominant 2020 car. Read more.
All eyes on 'party mode' ban at Monza
All eyes are on the banning of 'party mode' engine settings at Monza this weekend. Read more.
Red Bull applied pressure for 'party mode' ban - Marko
Dr Helmut Marko has admitted Red Bull applied "necessary pressure" to help get what he describes as Mercedes' "extreme" party mode engine settings banned. Read more.
Drivers surprised as Williams family leaves team
Williams' two drivers admitted they were surprised to hear that they will have a new team boss within days. Read more.
Albon 'won't listen' to Hamilton criticism
Alex Albon says he "won't listen" to criticism either from Formula 1 fans on social media or even six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Read more.
Sainz responds to Brawn's 'nervous' comments
Carlos Sainz insists he is not regretting his decision to join Ferrari for 2021. Read more.
Red Bull scraps plans for 'DAS' copy
Red Bull has scrapped plans to copy Mercedes' 'DAS' steering system. Read more.
Williams family departure best for team - Schumacher
Former team driver Ralf Schumacher says he supports the departure of the Williams family from the eponymous British team. Read more.
Ferrari management made mistakes - Montezemolo
Ferrari "paid a very high price" for Formula 1's move to hybrid engine technology in 2014. Read more.
