Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Saturday, September 19.
Saturday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Neurologist doubts Michael Schumacher will recover
© Reuters
A neurology specialist doubts Michael Schumacher will ever emerge from his current condition.
Almost nothing is known about the current health situation of the F1 legend, who has not been seen in public since striking his head on a rock whilst skiing in the French Alps in late 2013.
"I think he's in a vegetative state, which means he's awake but not responding," said Professor Erich Riederer, a Zurich-based neurology specialist.
"He is breathing, his heart is beating, he can probably sit up and take baby steps with help, but no more," he explained in a documentary on TMC about Schumacher's unknown condition.
"I think that's the maximum for him. Is there any chance of seeing him like he was before his accident? I really don't think so," Prof. Riederer added.
Selling McLaren factory a 'good decision' - Brown
© Reuters
Zak Brown insists that selling McLaren's factory for about $350 million is a "very good decision".
The American, who emerged as the famous brand's supremo in the wake of a power struggle and Ron Dennis' departure some years ago, says the money can be used more wisely.
"I think most companies in the world do not own real estate themselves. They're tenants," Brown told formel.de.
"We are talking about a lot of money, and it's not a very productive use of that when you're investing in your business," he added.
"So we're going to sell it to someone, and then we're going to get an extremely long lease. We'll invest that money in our business to grow it.
"We're not a real estate company, we're a racing team and an automotive company so I think it is a very good decision."
On the face of it, though, selling the factory - on top of laying off some 1200 staff earlier this year - appears to indicate financial trouble at McLaren.
Brown denies that.
"From a cash flow perspective, we are doing well," he insists, although he admits that the corona crisis "drained a lot of cash" from the business.
"We have some debt and now (executive chairman) Paul (Walsh) is making decisions to improve our bottom line."
Brown also clarified that the finances of McLaren's Formula 1 team and the struggling road car division are entirely separate.
"What happens in racing has no impact on automotive, and vice versa," he insists.
However, he does admit that it is "a major concern for everyone" that the current covid-19 pandemic is likely to race into 2021.
"I do expect that Covid will continue to have some impact in 2021, yes," said Brown.
More news from Formula 1:
Sponsor exit was 'end of story' - Claire Williams
It was the departure of Williams' title sponsor this year that prompted the sale of the team. Read more.
Ferrari right to oust Vettel - Massa
Ferrari may have made the best choice to oust Sebastian Vettel, according to the team's former driver Felipe Massa. Read more.
F1 using red flags to spice up show - Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton thinks Formula 1 is deliberately using red flags to spice up the show. Read more.
F2 driver opposed to 'young driver test' for Alonso
Formula 2 driver Louis Deletraz admits he is opposed to Fernando Alonso being invited to take part in F1's 'young driver test' in Abu Dhabi later this year. Read more.
Vettel move 'great' for F1 and for Toto Wolff
Sebastian Vettel staying in Formula 1 beyond 2020 is "great" not just for Formula 1, but for Toto Wolff as well. Read more.
Shwartzman linked with Haas seat for 2021
Alongside Mick Schumacher, another Formula 2 star is now shaping up as a likely 2021 rookie. Read more.
'Doesn't matter' if Albon stays or goes - Verstappen
Max Verstappen says he doesn't mind if Red Bull sticks with Alex Albon - or not. Read more.
Ferrari spending 'millions' on simulator - Binotto
Ferrari is spending "several million euros" to get a brand new simulator up and running at Maranello in the next few months. Read more.
Briatore says coronavirus 'can be defeated'
Flavio Briatore says the coronavirus pandemic that has wreaked havoc on Formula 1 and the world in 2020 "can be defeated". Read more.
Ferrari slump 'not comparable' to 1993 - Todt
Jean Todt thinks Ferrari should be able to recover from its surprisingly-deep 2020 slump. Read more.
F1's 'ghost race' era finally ending
F1's 'ghost race' trend of 2020 is finally ending. Read more.
