Thursday's Formula 1 news roundup: Niki Lauda, Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, August 1.

Thursday morning's headlines:

Leclerc 'coping better' than Vettel - Vasseur Charles Leclerc's former boss says he is surprised how quickly the 21-year-old has put serious pressure on Ferrari number 1 Sebastian Vettel. Read more.

Former F1 players think Alonso return possible Two experienced former F1 personalities think it is possible that Fernando Alonso will return to the grid. Read more.

Alfa Romeo undecided over German GP penalty appeal Alfa Romeo has not decided whether to push ahead with its appeal against a penalty that cost both race drivers points at Hockenheim. Read more.

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Renault claims to have broken 1000hp barrier

Renault claims to have broken the four-digit horsepower barrier with its improved 2019 engine. Read more.

Current rules make catching up too hard - Prost The current regulations are making it difficult for Renault to catch the top teams, according to Alain Prost. Read more.

Marko not ruling out Verstappen title Red Bull-Honda could soon close the gap completely to Mercedes. Read more.

Williams says Russell 'going nowhere' for 2020 Williams is not going to let George Russell flee to the Mercedes works team without a fight. Read more.

Ocon hopes for 2020 'answers' during August break Esteban Ocon is expecting his mobile phone to have a busy August break. Read more.

Red Bull lacking Gasly alternatives - Villeneuve Pierre Gasly is only keeping his seat at Red Bull for now because of a lack of alternatives. Read more.

Mercedes names Lauda successor Mercedes has appointed a replacement for the late Niki Lauda. Read more.

Verstappen better than Hamilton - van Lennep Max Verstappen is already a better driver than Lewis Hamilton. Read more.

Current rules make catching up too hard - Prost The current regulations are making it difficult for Renault to catch the top teams, according to Alain Prost. Read more.