Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Sunday, October 11.
Sunday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
F1 to discuss engine crisis in Portimao meeting
© Reuters
Formula 1 bosses will get together next week in Portimao to discuss the future of the sport's engine regulations.
Honda's decision to quit F1 to focus on greener and more relevant technology has sent shockwaves up and down the paddock.
Many insist it is just the latest proof that the current 'power unit' rules are definitely flawed.
"I think it's a real shame for Formula 1 but it's also a wake-up call," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
F1 is already looking at bio or synthetic 'efuels' for the future, with the regulations scheduled to be re-imagined for 2026.
But Horner is not sure Formula 1 can wait that long.
"I think we really need to consider whether 2026 is too far away for the new engine," he said at the Nurburgring.
"What will that technology be? What should it be? They are questions that are going to need to be answered quickly in order to give a road-map to what the future of the sport is."
Many agree that the current engines are not attracting new manufacturers to F1 because they are too expensive, too complex, not road relevant, not 'green' enough and not loud enough.
Moreover, Mercedes has utterly dominated the entire 'power unit' era since its beginning in 2014.
The matter will be discussed by all team bosses, Liberty Media officials and FIA president Jean Todt on the Monday after next weekend's race in Portugal.
'Completely new' Ferrari engine for 2021 - Binotto
© Reuters
There are signs of life amid Ferrari's 2020 competitive slump.
With parts added to the uncompetitive car at Sochi and again at the Nurburgring, and more new parts coming for Portimao in two weeks, Charles Leclerc qualified a surprising fourth on Saturday.
"Perhaps the upgrades are making a small but decisive difference," Leclerc said.
There is also hope for further progress in 2021, especially as the weakest link of this year's Maranello-made package is the power unit.
"Next year we will have a completely new engine that has been running on the bench for months and providing a good response," team boss Mattia Binotto said at the Nurburgring.
"And then the new aerodynamic regulations will force everyone to practically remake the cars in the rear area.
"Closing the gap to Mercedes will be practically impossible next year, but the goal is certainly to be much more competitive than we are at the moment," Binotto added.
"We have some parts to complete the package in two weeks, and everything is a refinement of the current project aimed at finding confirmation for the path to take for 2021," said the Italian.
More news from Formula 1:
Wolff 'ready to vote' for two-day race weekends
Mercedes' race drivers and team boss have all come out in support of scratching Fridays from the Formula 1 race format. Read more.
Nico Rosberg: 'Mercedes could find it tough without Toto Wolff'
Toto Wolff has overseen six of Lewis Hamilton's seven world drivers' championships. Read more.
Haas closing on Mazepin, Ilott for 2021
Nikita Mazepin is poised to sign a deal to race with Haas in 2021, according to the French broadcaster Canal Plus. Read more.
Villeneuve slams ill Stroll for missing race
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has slammed Lance Stroll for sitting out this weekend's racing at the Nurburgring. Read more.
Wolff denies Hamilton talks could 'fail'
Toto Wolff has denied that long-delayed contract negotiations with Lewis Hamilton may ultimately "fail". Read more.
Mercedes turning focus to 2021 car
Car updates are bringing Red Bull's Max Verstappen closer to the ultimate pace, Lewis Hamilton said after qualifying at the Nurburgring. Read more.
Valtteri Bottas faster than Lewis Hamilton in practice for Eifel Grand Prix
Valtteri Bottas beat his Mercedes team-mate by 0.136 seconds at the Nurburgring. Read more.
Nico Hulkenberg replaces Lance Stroll for Eifel Grand Prix
Lance Stroll missed practice on Saturday morning after falling ill. Read more.
Valtteri Bottas secures pole at Eifel Grand Prix ahead of Lewis Hamilton
Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified in third place. 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.
New parts have made McLaren slower - Sainz
Carlos Sainz is concerned that McLaren's direction of development may be faltering. 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.
