Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Saturday, October 10.
Saturday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Carey 'doesn't care' about Nurburgring weather
© Reuters
Chase Carey "probably doesn't care" about this weekend's action at the Nurburgring.
That is the claim of former F1 driver Christian Danner, who told RTL that Formula 1's CEO and owners Liberty Media are guilty of "ignorance and misjudgement" by organising a race at the Nurburgring in October.
"We have known for centuries that the weather in the Eifel is like this," Danner continued.
Both practice sessions on Friday were cancelled amid rain and fog, with the medical helicopter unable to fly and Mick Schumacher's highly anticipated practice debut stalled.
"Chase Carey personally arranged this deal, but he's not in the Eifel and probably doesn't care what's happening," Danner said.
"He's at a wedding in America," he claimed. "His lawyer, who signed this contract for this time of year, is also not here. She is having a family celebration in England.
"There is a certain prevailing indifference here," Danner said.
Carey will leave his role as F1 CEO at the end of the year, handing over to Stefano Domenicali for 2021.
Mercedes protecting drivers amid covid outbreak
© Reuters
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are being very cautious amid an outbreak of covid-19 within the Mercedes team.
At least two members of the dominant team have tested positive at the Nurburgring, with a handful of others now removed from action and in quarantine.
"We flew six people in from the UK" to replace them, team boss Toto Wolff said.
"It's certainly not a good situation because every person is very important. Every loss of a member in the garage affects the race but I think we have got it under control by having the back-up from Brackley.
"I guess this is something that is going to follow us for quite a while," he said of the global pandemic.
It is understood that none of those affected are well known to the public.
As for Mercedes' most important team members - drivers Hamilton and Bottas - Wolff said they are being ultra-careful to avoid infection.
"Obviously the drivers are the most restricted of the whole team," he said.
"It's certainly not a great situation for them because you almost need to live like a hermit and that's what they are doing.
"They are not sitting with the engineers in the room, they are sitting in their own rooms and we are avoiding any personal contact with them as much as possible.
"As you say, it's really critical for the championship to miss a race or two," said Wolff.
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton 'living like a hermit' amid coronavirus threat
Two Mercedes team members have tested positive for the virus. Read more.
Bad weather halts Mick Schumacher's Formula One debut
Michael Mick Schumacher's son was set to drive for Alfa Romeo in Friday's opening practice session. Read more.
On this day in 2011: Sebastian Vettel clinches second F1 world championship
The German won four consecutive championships between 2010 and 2013. Read more.
No Hamilton talks until after Imola - Wolff
Lewis Hamilton's long-delayed contract negotiations with Mercedes are also unlikely to take place in the month of October. Read more.
Red Bull 'too slow' to win - Verstappen
Red Bull is "too slow" in 2020 to think about more race wins or the world championship. Read more.
2021 debut for Honda's Tsunoda still on track
Yuki Tsunoda may still be on track for a Honda-fuelled debut in Formula 1 next year. Read more.
Mercedes rules out engine supply for Red Bull
Mercedes is not willing to supply engines to Red Bull after Honda leaves Formula 1 at the end of next year. Read more.
Schumacher, Ilott must wait until Abu Dhabi
Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott will not immediately get another chance to drive in Friday practice sessions this year, according to Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto. Read more.
2021 Mick Schumacher decision due 'soon'
News about Mick Schumacher's expected Formula 1 debut for 2021 is due "soon". Read more.
Sainz not worried about Schumacher threat
Carlos Sainz has dismissed speculation that his career at Ferrari may be short-lived. Read more.
Spa to replace asphalt run-off with gravel traps
An EUR 80 million upgrade at Spa-Francorchamps will include the return of more gravel traps. Read more.
