Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, September 24.
Thursday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
No 'quantum leaps' for Aston Martin in 2021 - Vettel
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel says he is not expecting "quantum leaps" as he joins Aston Martin for 2021.
Many see the quadruple world champion's 2021 move, having been ousted by Ferrari, as a masterstroke.
Racing Point is securing a champion driver as it rebrands, and Vettel moves to a team that is backed not only by billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, but also by minor Aston Martin shareholder Toto Wolff.
Vettel, 33, told Sport Bild that he is happy with his decision.
"Transparency and openness were what mattered to me - that it was clearly stated what is possible and what is not," he said.
"It takes ambition and it takes goals, and the goals that Lawrence Stroll has are aligned with mine. This connects us. He has a clear idea of ??what he wants to achieve, and I was very impressed with that.
"But it is clear that there will not be quantum leaps right away."
For now, though, the German says he is being patient.
"I am not yet involved with Racing Point or taking part in any meetings to plan the new car," he said. "I'm not even allowed to do that - I'm still an employee of Ferrari."
Similar to the path of his mentor and countryman Michael Schumacher, Vettel succeeded initially with Red Bull (Schumacher with Benetton), switched to Ferrari, and is now helping to build up a new top team (Schumacher with Mercedes).
Vettel doesn't like the comparison.
"I don't think comparisons like that help," he said. "You can't compare my situation with Michael's back then.
"Firstly, it was a different time. Secondly, it is a different team with different requirements.
"But most importantly, Michael was a different age when he came to Mercedes, and before that he had taken a three year break. I'm in the middle of it all and just changing teams," said Vettel.
Renault 'talking' to potential F1 customers
© Reuters
Renault is looking for another potential engine partner, boss Cyril Abiteboul has revealed.
At the end of the year, McLaren is ending its customer alliance with Renault and switching to Mercedes power - and Daniel Ricciardo is also switching camps.
But with Renault looking stronger in 2020 and now fully committed to the sport and rebranding as Alpine for 2021, Abiteboul told Auto Motor und Sport that customers may now look again at Renault.
"Formula 1 is full of surprises," he said.
"We now have a very good plan for what we want in the future. Maybe that was what McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo were missing in working with us.
"Now that the group has made a clear commitment to Formula 1, I have the feeling that people are interested in talking to us again. Stability attracts potential partners," Abiteboul added.
What the Frenchman is unhappy about, however, is the outcome of a technical dispute surrounding Racing Point.
The FIA has ruled that because that team buys year-old parts from Mercedes, it can upgrade for 2021 and those changes will not be counted in the limited 'tokens' of allowable changes.
"Racing Point can now change a lot more than we can for next year," Abiteboul explained. "This is a clear advantage for customers who use the model of taking parts that are one year old."
More news from Formula 1:
Stefano Domenicali 'set to be named new boss of Formula One'
He will take on the role when chief executive Chase Carey steps down from his position at the end of the year. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton's former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh joins Hamilton Commission
Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton launched the initiative in June to improve diversity in motorsport. Read more.
Daimler denies Mercedes team rumours
Daimler has added an official denial to reports that Mercedes' works team could be sold to a major sponsor for $900 million. Read more.
F1 choosing 'show over safety' - Minardi
Gian Carlo Minardi has backed drivers who suspect Formula 1 is putting "the show" above safety. Read more.
No more Honda upgrades in 2020 - Yamamoto
Honda will make no further performance upgrades to its 2020 engine this season. Read more.
Red Bull didn't 'care' about Wolff's Concorde stance
Red Bull did not support Toto Wolff's attempts to delay the signing of the 2021 Concorde Agreement. Read more.
Aston Martin to give Vettel 'boost' - Kubica
Moving to Aston Martin for 2021 will give Sebastian Vettel a "boost", according to Robert Kubica. Read more.
Alonso hits out at lack of 2021 winter testing
Fernando Alonso has blasted the ever-dwindling amount of testing that is permitted in Formula 1. Read more.
New F1 supremo Domenicali 'a good man' - Ecclestone
The next F1 supremo is a "good man", according to Bernie Ecclestone. Read more.
Russian Grand Prix expected to be attended by 30,000 spectators
Fans in Russia will be encouraged to wear face masks and observe social-distancing guidelines. Read more.
Speed of Imola ticket sales 'exciting'
The first offering of the 13,147 tickets for November's F1 race at Imola quickly sold out. Read more.
