Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Saturday, September 12.
Saturday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Backmarkers against 2021 'reverse grid' proposal
© Reuters
Williams' two drivers are no supporters of moves to introduce 'reverse grid' racing in Formula 1 next year.
Championed by Liberty Media, the plan was rejected by the teams for 2020.
But F1 sporting boss Ross Brawn now says more interesting Monza-like results would be possible if the push for reverse-grid sprint races is revived for 2021.
The teams that would presumably benefit the most from that are at the back of the grid - but backmarker Williams' two drivers do not like the sound of it.
"That is not the DNA of Formula 1," said Nicholas Latifi. "The results would be worth a lot less."
George Russell agrees: "I don't like it, even if I would probably get points every now and then.
"But I would look like an idiot because the fast guys would eat us up. They're in cars that are so much better than ours that they can easily just brake ten metres later. We wouldn't be able to defend ourselves.
"On the other hand, if I was in a top car, I'd probably be all for it - you'd look like a superhero as you did overtake after overtake of the others who are in cars that simply aren't as good," the British driver added.
New Williams boss not sure if position permanent
© Reuters
Williams' acting team principal says he is not sure if his new role will be made permanent.
Simon Roberts, who made a shock move from McLaren just three months ago, has received a surprisingly fast promotion to succeed departed team boss Claire Williams.
Roberts, who was operations director and chief operating officer at McLaren for almost 17 years, admits the speed of Williams' sale also caught him by surprise.
"The speed of the sale surprised everyone - we had no feeling at all that this was about to happen," he said at Mugello.
"I would have liked Claire to stay, although I understand why she is confident that her decision is right. Everyone will miss her."
When asked if he expected to be a F1 team boss just three months after leaving McLaren, Roberts answered: "I certainly did not.
"I came for the position of managing director, which really suits me, and I was determined to cooperate with Claire and Mike O'Driscoll."
Five days ago, O'Driscoll announced his intention to retire.
"In Formula 1, changes can happen very quickly and it's so difficult to predict what lies ahead," Roberts added. "Given the level at which the team is at now, we all understand that our work is just beginning."
So when asked if the 'acting' label will soon be deleted from his current team boss title, he admitted: "To be honest, we have not discussed this at all.
"I have already met the new owners of the team, but for now this is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to maintain stability, work with all of our people and start moving forward."
More news from Formula 1:
Jean Todt reveals Michael Schumacher still "fighting" against injuries
Following a skiing accident on the French Alps in December 2013, Michael Schumacher's condition has been kept a closely guarded secret. Read more.
Sainz slams Racing Point over Perez axe
Carlos Sainz has slammed Racing Point for dumping Sergio Perez. Read more.
Jean Todt reveals Michael Schumacher saved his Ferrari career
The former team principal will see the Prancing Horse compete in their 1,000th grand prix this weekend. Read more.
Raikkonen is Alfa Romeo's first choice for 2021
Kimi Raikkonen is Alfa Romeo's first choice for 2021. Read more.
Seidl plays down McLaren factory sale
Andreas Seidl has played down news that McLaren's iconic headquarters will be sold. Read more.
McLaren test Mercedes-like nose at Mugello
McLaren tested a Mercedes-like nose during Friday practice at Mugello. Read more.
Valtteri Bottas pips Lewis Hamilton in opening Mugello practice
The Mercedes teammates had the edge on the rest of the field. Read more.
'Good chance' of 2021 debut for Schumacher - Binotto
Mick Schumacher has a "good chance" of stepping up to Formula 1 in 2021. Read more.
McLaren opens Indycar door for axed Perez
Zak Brown is offering Sergio Perez a seat at McLaren - in the Indycar program. Read more.
Vettel can quit Aston Martin after 2021 - report
Sebastian Vettel has not signed a fixed long-term contract with Aston Martin, according to Bild newspaper. Read more.
Portimao to welcome 45,000 F1 spectators
As many as 45,000 spectators per day could attend the first Formula 1 race at Portimao next month. Read more.
