Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, October 30.
Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Vettel in 'dangerous' Ferrari situation - Schumacher
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel may be playing a "dangerous" game as his relationship with Ferrari enters the final stretch.
After Portugal, following comments made by the struggling quadruple world champion, team boss Mattia Binotto had to deny that Vettel is being supplied inferior machinery compared to his teammate Charles Leclerc.
"I think Binotto is handling the situation well," former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.
"For his part, he is saying an earlier end to the collaboration is not an issue, although the overall situation in the standings is precarious."
Indeed, while money is not an issue at Ferrari, finishing higher or lower in the constructors' world championship is worth multiple millions.
Currently, Ferrari is sixth overall, with Alpha Tauri not far behind and Renault, McLaren and Vettel's 2021 destination Racing Point within reach ahead of the Italian team.
As for whether Vettel might be replaced, Schumacher explained: "The only one who can decide that would be Sebastian. He would have to say 'I don't want to stay anymore'.
"Only he knows if he will do that, but from his point of view, it doesn't really make sense. He still wants to show that, when everything works, he can still drive a car very well.
"Staying home doesn't help him," the German said.
However, there is a limit to how much Ferrari and Binotto will tolerate in terms of Vettel's behaviour and comments.
"They have to be careful how they treat each other," said Schumacher. "If for some reason the situation escalates, anything can happen.
"There are also contractual penalties, but in my opinion, that wouldn't help Ferrari. Theoretically they could take Hulkenberg, but who else?
"At some point it could get really dangerous for Sebastian," said Schumacher, whose brother Michael won five titles for the Maranello team.
"For example, if he became too critical of the team and said that Ferrari is deliberately slowing him down. But he hasn't done that yet."
Williams driver decision is 'commercial' - Wolff
© Reuters
George Russell's future is only in doubt because of "political and commercial" considerations at Williams.
That is the claim of Toto Wolff, who oversees Russell's career as part of the Mercedes driver program.
Recently, reports indicated that despite his impressive performance at Williams in 2019 and 2020, the British team's new owners could replace Russell with the powerfully Mexican-backed Sergio Perez for 2021.
"George has proved that he deserves to be in Formula 1," Wolff is quoted by RTL.
"I don't think the decision is anything about his driving skills. It is probably more of a general political and commercial decision."
Wolff said Mercedes will not pressure its engine customer to keep Russell, as he respects the "independence" of the British outfit.
He has said that if Russell, 22, is left without a race seat in 2021, he will arrange a "mega test program" to keep the young Briton sharp for a 2022 return.
More news from Formula 1:
Damon Hill claims Lewis Hamilton's record-breaking run could be judged by lack of competition
Lewis Hamilton has raced to 92 career victories and is on the verge of equalling Michael Schumacher's all-time haul of seven world championships. Read more.
Haas hints at Ferrari engine overheating
Gunther Steiner has hinted that a major problem with Ferrari's struggling 2020 engine relates to overheating. Read more.
Team founder says Alfa Romeo should keep Raikkonen
Alfa Romeo's F1 team founder is urging the Swiss outfit to keep Kimi Raikkonen for 2021. Read more.
Alonso relationship 'working well' - Prost
Fernando Alonso's new relationship with Renault is already "working well", according to F1 legend and team advisor Alain Prost. Read more.
Marko denies trying to 'blackmail' Todt over engines
Dr Helmut Marko has denied Jean Todt's charge that he is trying to "blackmail" the FIA president over his demands regarding Red Bull's engine decision for 2022. Read more.
Hamilton, Wolff futures to be decided this year
Lewis Hamilton has reassured his fans that he will remain in Formula 1 next year - even though he is yet sign a contract. Read more.
Imola wants to stay on F1 calendar for 'next few years'
Imola wants to stay on the Formula 1 calendar beyond 2020. Read more.
Raikkonen, Giovinazzi to remain with Alfa Romeo for 2021 season
Kimi Raikkonen recently surpassed Rubens Barrichello as the Formula One driver to start the most races ever. Read more.
Melbourne confirms 'covid-safe' 2021 season opener
Organisers of the Australian GP have confirmed that Melbourne will kick off the 2021 season. Read more.
