Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, October 5.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Vettel might buy Aston Martin shares - Wolff
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel might buy shares in Aston Martin.
That is the view of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss who caused a stir recently by buying into Lawrence Stroll's new Aston Martin project with a minor stake.
Wolff had also actively encouraged departing Ferrari driver Vettel to switch to Racing Point for 2021, which will be rebranded as Aston Martin next year.
"First and foremost, Sebastian is a racing driver," Wolff now tells Auto Bild.
"It's about the performance on the track. But that doesn't mean that he might not buy a few shares as well - especially if the company is still valued low. This opportunity is there of course," he added.
Wolff said: "I also have shares in Aston Martin. But just from a fan's perspective, I think that Sebastian going there is great. Germany is the second most important market."
Red Bull capable of making own engine - Schumacher
© Reuters
Red Bull can build its own engine for 2022 and beyond, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.
At Sochi, prior to Honda's shock decision last Friday to quit Formula 1 at the end of 2021, Schumacher had declared: "I wouldn't be surprised if we see Porsche in F1."
But amid speculation Red Bull could now buy Honda's F1 operations, he tells Sky Deutschland that a better option for Red Bull might be to run its own engine program.
"They certainly have the strength and the means for that," Schumacher, who once worked very closely with Alpha Tauri boss Franz Tost, said.
"Financially it wouldn't be a problem. In Honda, they also have a partner who can help them during the transition phase.
"Perhaps Red Bull can take over the development department in Milton Keynes afterwards. Then they can finance it themselves," the German added.
However, Russian F1 commentator Alexey Popov thinks becoming an engine supplier would be a mammoth task for Red Bull.
"It is unclear what they should do after Honda leaves," he told Match TV.
"If Mercedes stays in F1, it won't give its engines to them. Ferrari too. That leaves Renault, who are obliged by the rules, but they parted with Red Bull so badly that it would be a very unpleasant collaboration.
"The last opportunity is to buy out what Honda leaves behind. But even then there is a problem with the production base, which is not in Europe like the other teams. So this would be very difficult too," Popov added.
Yet another major consideration for Red Bull is that Honda's departure is sure to trigger a potential exit clause in Max Verstappen's contract.
"This could provoke an attempt for Verstappen to negotiate with Mercedes," Popov said.
"For Russia, it (Honda quitting) wouldn't be bad because if Honda had stayed, they probably would have tried to put Tsunoda in Kvyat's place and now this will most likely not happen," he added.
"In any case, the coming days will be eventful."
More news from Formula 1:
Red Bull not ruling out Perez, Hulkenberg
Red Bull is no longer ruling out replacing Alex Albon. Read more.
Haas 'not for sale' amid Mazepin rumours
Haas is reluctant to comment amid rumours the F1 team could be sold. Read more.
Three Ferrari rookies in 2021 'not possible'
Ferrari's sporting boss Laurent Mekies has played down hopes that all three high-profile academy driver members will be in Formula 1 next year. Read more.
McLaren happy with new Mercedes-like nose
A Mercedes-style nose design is the "right way forward" for McLaren. Read more.
Red Bull eyeing 'all options' for 2022 engine
"All options" are being considered as Red Bull looks to race on without Honda from 2022. Read more.
Verstappen hopes covid era 'will soon be over'
Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull driver Max, says he hopes the corona crisis "will soon be over" in Formula 1. Read more.
Honda shows 'middle finger' to F1 - press
Honda's shock decision to quit Formula 1 is a "middle finger" to the sport. Read more.
F1 'will return' to Melbourne in 2021
Formula 1 "will return" to Melbourne, according to race organisers. Read more.
